Parish Church of Angústias

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Horta > Horta > Angústias

Location

The Parish Church of Angústias is located in the city of Horta, on Faial Island, Azores. It is situated in the urban area that bears its name, Angústias, marking the landscape of this part of the locality. Its presence distinguishes this sector of the city, being a recognizable landmark for those exploring Horta.

Historical Background

The history of the Church of Angústias dates back to the 15th century, when a hermitage was erected on this site at the initiative of Faial's first captain-donee. Over time, by the 17th century, the original construction already showed signs of degradation. In 1684, the hermitage was elevated to the category of Parish Church, which led to several interventions to reform and adapt the temple to the growing needs of the community.

The building that can be observed today had its construction started in the year 1800 and was completed in 1861. This temple represents a later phase of Faial's religious and architectural history, built upon the foundations of a more remote past.

Artistic and Architectural Details

The current appearance of the Parish Church of Angústias reflects the architectural style of the period in which it was built in the 19th century. Inside, the organ deserves particular attention, a musical piece of artistic and cultural value, which was crafted in 1805 by the organ builder Joaquim António Peres Fontanes. This instrument is a testament to the art of organ building and its importance in the church's liturgical life.

Vestiges of the Past

More recently, in 2017, a requalification intervention in the churchyard allowed for significant archaeological discoveries. During these works, stone masonry structures were unearthed, which appear to correspond to vestiges of an earlier building that would have extended to the west of the current churchyard. These revelations offer a perspective on the constructions that preceded the current temple, deepening the understanding of the site's origins and evolution.

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