Chapel of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Açores > Horta > Horta > Matriz

Location

The Chapel of Santo António is located in the parish of Matriz, a central urban nucleus of the city of Horta, on the island of Faial. It is strategically positioned to the west of what was once the parade ground of the old Forte de Santa Cruz, making it an easily accessible point of interest for those exploring the city on foot.

A 17th-Century History

This small temple has its roots firmly planted in the 17th century, the period in which it was built. Its presence in Horta testifies to the urban and religious evolution of the city over time, marking a reference point for the local community since its construction.

Architectural Features

The Chapel of Santo António features a rectangular plan, with its rear section leaning against the south wall. Its facade, also rectangular, is topped by a simple cornice, and at its center, an entrance door with its own frame is surmounted by a circular oculus that introduces natural light into the interior. The construction, in stone masonry, is mostly plastered and whitewashed, creating a visual contrast with the elements in exposed stonework. These include the plinth, the cornerstones defining the edges, the cornices, and the moldings that adorn the openings. The traditional roof is gabled with barrel tiles.

Interior Artistic Richness

Inside the chapel, visitors can discover details that reflect the artistic sensibility of the era. One highlight is a valuable collection of polychromatic tiles, predominantly in shades of blue and white, covering part of the walls and lending a distinctive atmosphere to the space. The presence of elements in basalt stonework within its interior complements this richness, emphasizing the construction's connection to the island's natural materials.

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