Hermitage of Saint James

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Lagoa > Água de Pau

Location

The Chapel of São Tiago is located in the parish of Água de Pau, part of the municipality of Lagoa, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores. It is situated on the northern edge of the locality, set within a spacious square that invites tranquility. Its presence is discreet but striking, integrating into the local urban landscape, flanked by community buildings such as the parish council building and the Casa do Povo (People's House). This setting provides a serene and accessible environment for visitors.

History and Purpose

The history of the Chapel of São Tiago dates back to the early 18th century, having been erected for the private use of a local owner. Its construction was completed even before the manor house to which it was connected. The first official reference to the chapel, through a pastoral visit, dates from 1707. Over the centuries, the chapel's ownership evolved: in 1871, it ceased to be private property and passed into the possession of the Parish Council (Junta de Paróquia). Then, in 1986, the space was adapted and began to function as a funeral chapel for the parish council of Água de Pau, a function it maintains after having undergone punctual renovations throughout the 20th century to adjust to the community's needs.

Architecture and Visual Details

The Chapel of São Tiago features a simple and harmonious architecture, characteristic of the religious constructions of the period in the region. With a rectangular plan, it consists of a single nave and a chancel, complemented by a sacristy attached on the left side. Its facades, plastered and painted white, stand out for their sobriety. The main facade, facing south, is flanked by pilasters and topped by pinnacles, with a Latin cross crowning the structure. The entrance is marked by a door with cornices, accompanied by a rectangular window protected by wooden grilles. Inside, the walls maintain their immaculate white, while the floor and ceiling are made of wood, providing a welcoming atmosphere. In the chancel, a triumphal arch resting on pilasters frames a large wooden crucifix and the altar, central elements of its composition.

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