Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Açores > Vila do Porto > Praia Formosa > Almagreira
The Hermitage of Santo Amaro is located in the village of Praia Formosa, within the Almagreira area, in the municipality of Vila do Porto, on the island of Santa Maria. It is situated in a setting that combines a rural environment with dispersed dwellings, and its walled churchyard offers an atmosphere of tranquility. The hermitage's main facade faces the Praia Formosa area, visually connecting visitors to this beautiful coastal spot on the island.
The Hermitage of Santo Amaro has a history dating back at least to the late 16th century, when it was already known as the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Our Lady of Remedies). Over the centuries, the site developed a strong connection to the figure of Santo Amaro, especially due to his historical association with the care of the sick. This dual patronage reflects the evolution and deep faith of the local communities. An important restoration and rebuilding intervention, completed in 1868, is marked on the building's facade, testifying to its resilience and continuous veneration.
Annually, on January 15th, the hermitage is the stage for a celebration that keeps a unique popular tradition alive. After the mass, a peculiar auction takes place, where sweets in the shape of arms and legs, made from kneaded dough, are auctioned off. These are donated by the faithful as a form of payment for vows, constituting a moment of great community involvement and an expressive manifestation of Azorean culture.
The Hermitage of Santo Amaro features a stone masonry construction, with a simple rectangular plan and a small sacristy attached laterally. Its white-washed facades are adorned with structural and decorative elements highlighted in red, giving it a popular and picturesque appearance, so characteristic of the island's traditional religious architecture. At the top of the main facade's gable, pinnacles and a stone cross rise, complementing the composition.
Above the main door, in a depressed arch, is the epigraphic inscription with the date 1868 and the dedication to "S AMARO". Inside, the single space houses a simple, carved wooden pulpit. The main altarpiece, painted white with golden details and faux marbling, exhibits a classical design with niches housing sacred images, notably featuring the monogram "S A", representing Santo Amaro, the patron saint. The gabled roof, with two slopes, is finished with a double eaves, contributing to the harmony of the ensemble.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 36.9525899,-25.100197
Coordinates DMS: 36°57'9.3"N 25°06'0.7"W
Weather Praia Formosa
On-duty Pharmacy Praia Formosa
