Hermitage of Saint Lazarus

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Praia da Vitória > Praia da Vitória > Santa Cruz

Location:

The Chapel of Saint Lazarus is located in the parish of Santa Cruz, in the city of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, Azores. It is specifically situated in the Figueiras do Paim area, a zone that, despite being integrated into the local urbanization, allows for contemplation of a piece of the island's history. Its presence in the Santa Cruz landscape is a quiet reminder of the region's past.

A Past of Service and Resilience:

Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, this chapel has a history deeply connected to health and community support. Originally, it was part of a larger complex, the Hospital of Saint Lazarus, dedicated to sheltering and assisting people with leprosy. This initial purpose gives it a particular significance, reflecting the community's efforts to address public health challenges throughout the ages. Its importance extended even further after the great earthquake of May 24, 1614, known as the "Fall of Praia." During the reconstruction period of the town's Mother Church, the Chapel of Saint Lazarus temporarily assumed the role of parish church, demonstrating its adaptability and its relevance during critical times for the population.

Architectural and Symbolic Details:

The chapel features a rectangular architectural plan and a single nave in its interior, characteristic of the simplicity and functionality of the era. One of its most unique elements is the chancel, slightly narrower than the main body, and which connects to a section designated as the "lepers' cell." This area is notable for its three depressed arches, which rest on columns with archaic-designed bases and capitals, separating it from the rest of the space. On the main facade, plastered and painted, two openings stand out, a door and a window, arranged vertically and both topped by cornices. On the right side facade, a discreet door is adorned by a lintel with a cornice and an arch, whose tympanum displays a cross and the inscription "São Lázaro." Highlighting elements, such as the plinth, quoins, and opening frames, are in ashlar masonry painted yellow, creating a subtle visual contrast. Atop the gabled roof, typically Azorean, a cross stands out on the ridge, adding a symbolic point to the chapel's silhouette.

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