Hermitage of Our Lady of Health

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Horta > Capelo > Varadouro

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Our Lady of Health) is located in the Varadouro area, which belongs to the parish of Capelo, in the municipality of Horta, on Faial Island, Azores. This area, marked by its natural beauty and serene environment, provides a tranquil setting for the chapel.

A unique orientation of the building stands out: its main facade does not face the Atlantic, but rather inland. This detail, unusual for a construction so close to the coast, gives it a more intimate connection with the terrestrial surroundings of Varadouro.

Roots and Centuries-Old Devotion

The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Saúde dates back to 1720, the year of its first construction. Its founder was Father Manuel Pereira Cardoso, who originally dedicated this space to Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Our Lady of Mount Carmel).

Father Cardoso's legacy was perpetuated through a wish expressed in his will: that every year, on the first Sunday of September, a mass be celebrated for his soul in the chapel. This fact highlights the deep faith and historical connection of the place to the community and its ancestors.

A Legend and the Unusual Orientation

One of the most unique aspects of the chapel is its facade, which faces inland, turning its back on the vast ocean. This orientation, uncommon for a coastal construction, is explained by a popular belief.

Tradition tells that the image of Our Lady, venerated here, is said to have appeared in a grotto located in the direction the chapel faces. It is said that the first construction of the chapel, facing the sea, could not retain the image, which returned to its original grotto every night. For the image to remain on site, the chapel was then built with its entrance facing the grotto, as it currently stands.

Architectural Simplicity and Details

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Saúde displays architecture with simple lines. Its facade, with few decorative elements, reflects an unadorned aesthetic, characteristic of many religious constructions of the period.

Despite its general sobriety, the chapel has a bell tower that arouses curiosity due to its distinctive design. This detail adds a particular touch to the modest construction, making it recognizable in the landscape.

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