Chapel of Our Lady of Guidance

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Açores > Horta > Horta > Monte da Guia

Location

Situated atop Monte da Guia, a prominent elevation in the Horta landscape, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia offers a privileged perspective over the city and its bay. At about 145 meters above sea level, its position allows it to be easily seen from much of the town. It is set in an environment where volcanic nature meets urbanization, near the mountain's crater.

This site is a remarkable viewpoint, providing panoramic views of Horta's houses, the port, and the vastness of the Atlantic, serving as an invitation to contemplate the surrounding scenery.

Historical Roots

The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia dates back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period when a primitive hermitage with the same invocation was built. It was an initiative of Captain-Major Tomaz Pórraz Pereira, and it was opened for worship in the year 1714.

This first religious building already represented a point of reference for the community, bearing witness to the experiences and faith of the inhabitants of Horta over generations.

Perseverance and Devotion

The original hermitage, built in the early 18th century, faced the passage of time and the challenges of nature. The harsh weather and frequent seismic activity in the region led to an advanced state of decay which, over the decades, dictated its eventual demolition. However, local devotion prevailed, and on the same site, the temple we see today was erected, completed in 1943.

The current chapel is a testament to the resilience and continuity of faith on the island of Faial, keeping alive the memory of its predecessor and its religious function in service to the community.

The Connection to the Sea

More than just a religious building, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia has a deep connection with the maritime community of Horta. Annually, it is the stage for a unique procession carried out by seafarers, who reach it by water in a display of faith and tradition.

This ceremony highlights the chapel's symbolic role as a guardian of those who live and work at sea, reinforcing its cultural and spiritual importance in the life of Faial.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt