Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Vila do Porto > São Pedro > Paúl

Location

The Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Monserrate is located in the parish of São Pedro, in the municipality of Vila do Porto, on the island of Santa Maria, in the Azores. It is situated in a picturesque nook, in the Paúl area, discreetly integrated into the landscape and partially hidden by trees. Its elevated location offers a panoramic view over the parish of Vila do Porto and the surrounding natural environment, providing a tranquil setting for contemplation.

A History of Centuries

The history of the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Monserrate dates back to the early 16th century, when a wealthy merchant from Vila do Porto, Heitor Gonçalves Minhoto, commissioned the construction of a hermitage on the site, associated with his summer property. The temple we observe today was built in 1735, at the initiative of Captain Manuel de Rezendes de Carvalho. Throughout the 20th century, the building underwent a period of degradation and provisional abandonment, which led to the transfer of some valuable elements to the Parish Church of São Pedro. However, between 1997 and 2005, the hermitage underwent a careful restoration, which respected its original design, restoring its dignity and presence that it holds today.

Architectural Features

The Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Monserrate features a rectangular plan and stands out for its tower/bell tower, attached to the main facade on the left side. It is observed that this tower may have been a later addition to the original construction. The main facade is marked by two cornerstones and topped by a cornice that follows the roof's inclination, culminating in a stone cross. The door features a double straight lintel and a prominent fillet. Outside, next to the sacristy body, a staircase provides access to the bell, and the entire complex is set on a paved churchyard, giving it a harmonious presence on the site.

Interior Details

Inside the Hermitage, the altar's altarpiece, originally carved from cedar wood, once housed images of Nossa Senhora do Monserrate, Saint Joseph, and Saint Benedict. The altar frontal was adorned with a tile panel of remarkable artistic interest, depicting Our Lady, which was removed in 1956 to the Parish Church of São Pedro. Currently, the image of Our Lady located on the altar displays a pomegranate in one of her hands, an element that lends a particularity to its symbolism and aesthetics.

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