Convent of Saint Francis

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

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

Location

The Convent of São Francisco is located in the heart of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, Azores. Its central position in the Nossa Senhora da Conceição area, which constitutes the city's Historic Centre, makes it easily accessible for those exploring the area on foot. The urban surroundings are marked by the architectural richness typical of this Azorean locality.

A Historical Legacy

This imposing building, also known as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia, represents one of the largest religious temples in the Azorean archipelago. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when the first Franciscans settled in Terceira, building a hermitage around 1456, followed by a convent in 1470. The current complex, with its larger dimensions and imposing appearance, began to be erected in 1663 and was solemnly blessed in 1672.

Throughout the centuries, the Convent of São Francisco witnessed various moments in Portuguese history. It served as a refuge for important figures, such as António I of Portugal, and, in the 19th century, adapted to new functions after the extinction of religious orders. Its premises housed, for example, the Angra do Heroísmo Lyceum and the Diocesan Seminary, revealing its capacity for transformation and permanence over time. Currently, the convent houses the Angra do Heroísmo Museum, continuing to be a cultural pillar of the city.

Architecture and Interior Details

Upon entering the church, one encounters a spacious and striking area, divided into three naves, with a cross-shaped plan culminating in a vast chancel. Above the entrance portico, the convent's magnificent choir catches the eye, highlighting the grandeur of the construction.

One of the most notable elements inside is the pipe organ, built in 1788 by António Xavier Machado e Cerveira, which stands out as the oldest by this builder in the Azores, and was carefully restored in 2012. The sacristy walls feature surprising 18th-century jacaranda wood furniture, a carved stone fountain, and a gilded carved ceiling, revealing the artistic richness of the space. The temple also serves as a place of memory and homage, functioning as a pantheon where historical figures such as João Vaz Corte-Real and Paulo da Gama, brother of the navigator Vasco da Gama, are buried.

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