The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova is very old and is believed to have originated from the Christianization of pagan cults, as there are ruins of a temple dedicated to the god Endovélico near Terena. References to this sanctuary date back to the 13th century.
The current building is a 14th-century construction and a rare example in Portugal of a fortress-church, similar to the grand Flor da Rosa monument and the Gothic phase of the Church of Vera Cruz de Marmelar. Its artistic style closely resembles Flor da Rosa, suggesting the work of the same master or workshop of artisans.
The devotion to Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova appears to be linked to the legend of Formosíssima Maria, Queen Maria of Castile, daughter of King Afonso IV of Portugal. According to the legend, the queen was at this location when she received the “good news” (boa nova) regarding her husband’s victory at the Battle of Salado, giving rise to the sanctuary’s name.
The devotion remains alive today, and the sanctuary hosts a major pilgrimage celebrated on the first weekend after Easter. Highlights include the candlelight procession on Easter Sunday, when the statue of the Virgin is carried to the Parish Church of São Pedro in Terena, where the so-called Encounter takes place (between the statues of São Pedro, the parish patron, and Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova). The main day of the festival is Easter Monday (a municipal holiday in Alandroal), when the solemn procession returns to the sanctuary, passing through the streets of Terena’s historic center.
The church has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.