Church of Saint Anne

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Horta > Capelo

Location

The Church of Santa Ana is located in Capelo, a locality in the municipality of Horta, on Faial Island. Its position offers a glimpse into the calm environment and the simplicity of the surrounding buildings, characteristic of the Azorean landscape.

Historical Background

The Church of Santa Ana has its roots in the 17th century, with its construction in 1680. This temple was erected to replace an older building, which dated back to 1600 and had been destroyed following the volcanic crisis of 1672. The building's resilience is remarkable, as the church also suffered significant damage from the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano in 1957. However, despite the challenges posed by the island's volcanic nature, the Church of Santa Ana has remained a pillar of the community, marking its presence throughout the centuries.

Architectural Features

This religious temple is recognizable by its considerable dimensions, standing out in the Capelo landscape. One of its most striking elements is the use of black basaltic stonework. This material, abundant on the island and of volcanic origin, lends the church a solidity and an aesthetic that deeply connects it to the geology and character of Faial. The mastery of the basaltic stone work underlines the durability and unique beauty of this construction.

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