Parish Church of Castelo Branco / Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Horta > Castelo Branco > Canada de Santa Catarina

Location

This church is located in the parish of Castelo Branco, part of the municipality of Horta, on the picturesque island of Faial, in the Azores. More specifically, it is situated in the area known as Canada de Santa Catarina, a zone that integrates into the island's distinctive local landscape.

The parish's name itself, Castelo Branco (White Castle), refers to a striking geographical feature of the surrounding landscape: a whitish volcanic hill, 149 meters high, whose shape evokes that of a castle. This formation is connected to the island by a narrow isthmus, contributing to the natural setting where the church stands.

Historical Roots

The history of the Parish Church of Castelo Branco, also known as the Church of Santa Catarina de Alexandria, dates back to distant times. As early as 1514, a royal charter by King D. Manuel I attests to its importance, determining the supply of ornaments for worship. However, it is in 1568 that the first documented record explicitly mentions the existence of the parish and its church.

The first parish records, which chronicle the local religious life and community, date from 1643. This historical journey reveals the continuous presence and relevance of this community and its center of worship throughout the centuries.

From the Original Building to the Present One

The church that can be observed today is not its original construction. It is known that the primitive building featured a structure with three naves, separated by five columns, suggesting an architectural layout characteristic of the era in which it was erected. However, in 1767, the construction of the current church began, which replaced the previous one, giving it the form it retains to this day.

Since its foundation, this building has served as the main center of worship and parish life for the parish of Castelo Branco, maintaining its active religious function and representing a point of reference for faith and history for the local community and for those who visit Faial island.

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