Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Vila do Porto > Vila do Porto > Centro

Location

The Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene is located in the heart of Vila do Porto, on the island of Santa Maria, Azores. Situated in the central area of the town, which is also a classified zone, the chapel is set in a serene and traditional urban environment, allowing for a peaceful immersion in local history while walking through the town's streets.

A Historical Legacy

This site has its roots in 1594, the year in which Father Manuel Curvelo de Resende, with his relatives, decided to found a convent dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. The initial purpose was to welcome the founders' daughters, who would follow the Order of the Poor Clares. The first mass in the chapel was celebrated in 1600. The life of the convent was not easy; in 1616, an attack by Barbary pirates resulted in the burning of the original building, which was reduced to a modest oratory.

Despite the adversities, the chapel and the religious house were rebuilt and subjected to several interventions throughout the centuries. In the 17th century, António Curvelo de Resende promoted a significant rebuilding, and later, in 1691, the Bishop of Angra ordered its restoration. The 18th century brought improvements to the altarpiece of the chancel and the addition of elements such as the bell tower and two bells. Its interior also received painting and gilding works in the 19th century, reflecting a path of continuous adaptation and preservation.

The Architecture and Its Details

The current building of the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene, despite having undergone transformations over time, maintains a remarkable structure. In its single-nave interior, the rectangular chancel stands out, separated from the nave by a perfect stone arch, ornamented with simulated pilaster quoins and an embossed coat of arms. The chancel houses a colorful altarpiece dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.

There are also two corner altars, one dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk and the other to Our Lady of Sorrows, both enriching the space. The wooden pulpit, with stairs and a canopy, follows the Rococo style. One of the most unique elements of the interior are the upper and lower choir stalls, separated from the nave by a wooden slat grille forming a kind of cloverleaf, in a single piece. In the sacristy, with an entrance from the chancel, one can observe a wooden chest and a stone lavabo with an oval basin.

A Classified Treasure and the Present

The Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene houses a remarkable historical organ, which, due to its importance and cultural value, was recently classified as movable property of public interest. This recognition underscores the artistic and heritage relevance of the instrument. Interestingly, this place was once known for having housed the "foundling wheel", a historical element that reflects its social role throughout the centuries.

Currently, the complex of the chapel and the religious house, which once functioned as a cloistered convent, plays a significant role in the community, being the headquarters of a Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS) dedicated to supporting the elderly, thus continuing its vocation of welcome and service to the population.

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