Solar of Our Lady of Remedies (House of the Provider of the Armadas)

Category: Civil Architecture > Dwelling

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > Angra do Heroísmo > Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Location

Located in the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, in the parish of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Solar de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is situated in an urban environment of remarkable heritage value. Its presence contributes to the architectural richness of the city center, a place where the past manifests itself in every street and building. It is located in an area that mirrors Angra's strategic importance over the centuries, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of a city forged by maritime routes and history.

Past and Function

Also known as the House of the Purveyor of the Armadas, this manor evokes a period of great dynamism for Angra do Heroísmo. The Purveyor of the Armadas was a prominent figure in the maritime administration of the Portuguese Crown, responsible for the provisioning and organization of the fleets that called at the Azores, a crucial point on the Atlantic routes. The existence of a residence linked to such an important position underlines Angra's centrality as a port of refuge and a commercial and military entrepôt during the Age of Discoveries. The building thus witnessed decisions and preparations that shaped part of Portuguese naval history.

Architecture and Characterization

The Solar de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios exhibits the robustness and elegance typical of Azorean manorial architecture. Although it is a dwelling, its scale and details denote a high status. It is expected that the construction uses local volcanic stone, with its characteristic dark tones, often contrasting with light stonework around doors and windows. Its facade, without excessive ornamentation, reflects sobriety and solidity, yet with elements that confer dignity, such as sash windows and possibly balconies or projecting balconies that emphasize its presence in the block. The ensemble is a representative example of an urban dwelling for a prominent family or figure in past Azorean society.

Legacy and Symbolism

More than a mere building, the Solar de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is a symbol of Angra do Heroísmo's maritime and administrative influence. It represents the daily life of a figure essential for the connection between mainland Portugal and the vast overseas territories, through the Azorean stopover. Its preservation allows us to understand how civilian life and governance intertwined in the daily life of a vital port city, offering a glimpse into the social and economic history that shaped the identity of Angra and the Azores.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_de_Nossa_Senhora_dos_Rem%C3%A9dios

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