Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Açores > Calheta > Ribeira Seca > Fajã da Caldeira de Cima
It is situated in Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, parish of Ribeira Seca, municipality of Calheta, on the island of São Jorge.
Construction began in 1832 and it was blessed in 1835. Since then, it has become an important site of religious devotion on the island.
It is a shrine highly sought after by the faithful from all over the island, especially for fulfilling vows and making spiritual requests.
It is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, featuring mass, a procession, and auctions. The date attracts many pilgrims.
It can be reached on foot via the Serra do Topo trail, offering stunning landscapes, or by the Fajã dos Cubres trail, both very popular among hikers.
It stands out for its black basalt stonework, especially around the windows, doors, and on the bell tower. The main façade has a white cross painted above the entrance.
It lacks a dome and terminates with four small pinnacles at the corners, giving it a distinctive style.
Simple and welcoming, with tones of white, sky blue, and red. The main altar holds the image of Senhor Santo Cristo (Lord Holy Christ), and on the sides, images of Our Lady and Saint Joseph. The wooden ceiling retains its natural color, providing a rustic and authentic atmosphere.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santo_Cristo
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.62537118995886,-27.926997035060598
Coordinates DMS: 38°37'31.3"N 27°55'37.2"W