The Vinyet sanctuary, an absolute must-visit
Our Lady of Vinyet was the one to whom, for example, the Sitges natives who went to America to try to make their fortune — known as ‘indianos’ or ‘americanos’ — entrusted themselves. That is why, if you visit the sanctuary, you will see hanging the ex-votos (offerings) that they made to her upon their return in the form of a model of their boat. These tokens of gratitude, located on the sides of the church, create a unique and very special atmosphere, which reinforces the singularity of this emblematic space in Sitges.
The iconic bell tower of this whitewashed hermitage was built in 1801. And the current image of Our Lady of Vinyet is the work of Pere Jou, who reconstructed it in 1939. Jou was also the main sculptor of the Palau Maricel, where capitals, doors and windows bear his signature. Inside the sanctuary, the polychrome wooden altarpieces also stand out, preceding the altar where the Virgin is elevated, supported by vine branches and wearing a shawl that changes colour depending on the time of year and the celebration — purple during Semana Santa (Easter/Holy Week), white for weddings, for example.
