The award-winning project will restore, preserve and enhance the gardens surrounding the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Preces, located in the village of Vale de Maceira, in the heart of the Serra do Açor, which were severely affected by the fires in October last year.

The sanctuary is based on a legend dating back to the 14th century which, like Fátima, involves an apparition to young shepherds. Its historical site includes a Botanical Garden and a Forest, which will be the subject of an intervention programme that includes the removal of dead trees and the planting of new species, environmental education programmes especially for younger generations, the introduction of new information panels and promotional materials, suggestions of several paths, and the recreation of processions and pilgrimages associated with the site.

The jury recognised the value of this project, presented by the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora das Preces, highlighting the example and encouragement it represents for the region. They also praised its ability to involve local structures, such as the Association for the Integrated Development of Serra do Açor, the Municipal Council of Oliveira do Hospital, and the Parish Council of Aldeia das Dez.

Abel Gouveia, president of the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora das Preces, expressed his gratitude for the award, which will provide the necessary resources to restore the gardens and ensure their ongoing development. He also expressed his gratitude to the Gulbenkian Foundation, which promoted the award, and to all the local entities involved in presenting this project, in particular the members of the Brotherhood he presides over.

An Honourable Mention was also awarded to the restoration project for the Quinta do Pinhô housing complex, designed by RA\\Architectural & Design Studio, one of the most important farms that were part of the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas. The intervention also involved the rehabilitation of paths, of the granite structures supporting the terraces and of the water collection and distribution systems.

Worth €50,000, the Vilalva Award was created in honour of philanthropist Vasco Vilalva and this year’s focus was on garden restoration. The jury consisted of António Lamas, Gonçalo Byrne, Raquel Henriques da Silva, Luís Paulo Ribeiro, Teresa Portela Marques, Santiago Macias and Rui Esgaio.