Monte Serrat Hill is one of the highest points in
Santos. You have the most breath-taking view of Santos up there!
You can take a ride on the funicular or climb up on
foot (there are 415 steps!). There are two funiculars, one that goes to the top
of the hill and the other one to the bottom. The funicular has a single set of
tracks going up the whole hill except for a small section in the middle where
it splits into a double track. This is where the two funiculars pass each
other. The view is really amazing and I took many pictures and a picture of a
canyon.
On the top of Monte Serrat Hill there are the Monte
Serrat Chapel, a big cafe, a shop which sells souvenirs, candles, saint
statues, a room with concave and convex mirrors, etc. It is very funny to see
yourself on the mirrors! In the nineteenth century there was a casino on
the hill, which was disabled and nowadays it is a cafe, which is used for
events.
Our Lady of Monte Serrat, who is the patron saint
of the city, to whom is attributed many miracles, is in the chapel. She was the
saint who saved Santos Village from a Netherland pirate attack in 1615 and
saved Araguary boat from a shipwreck, in 1926. Our Lady of Monte Serrat
Sanctuary has the Miracle room, full of pieces in gratitude to the blessings.
Every year there is a celebration of Her day, on September 8th.
The day we went there was not good, so the real
beauty of the place cannot be seen properly. This is a wonderful trip! I hope
you like it! Enjoy!
