Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Açores > Lajes das Flores > Lajes das Flores
Situated in the heart of the village of Lajes das Flores, on the idyllic island of Flores, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário stands as the main religious landmark of the locality. It is found in Largo do Forte de Santo António, a central point that reflects its importance in the urban fabric of the settlement and in the lives of its inhabitants.
The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dates back to the 16th century, when a primitive hermitage dedicated to the Holy Spirit existed near the port. This was later transferred to the current location, solidifying a religious presence there. The temple seen today began to be erected between 1763 and 1783, replacing an old matrix church that, in turn, gave way to the current cemetery. The building is, thus, the result of centuries of devotion and resilience, having undergone various renovation and restoration campaigns over the years, particularly in the mid-19th century and the second half of the 20th century.
With a rectangular plan, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário stands out for its imposing façade, flanked by two integrated bell towers, giving it a solid and symmetrical presence. Its dimensions, approximately 39.5 meters long by 12 meters wide, reflect the grandeur intended at the time of its construction. At the base of the cross crowning the main façade, there is an inscription marking the year 1783, a detail worth noting that testifies to the completion date of its original edifice.
The interior of the church houses an artistic heritage of notable value, with particular emphasis on its altarpieces. The main altarpiece, an example of revivalist carving, displays rich painting that captivates the eye. This was a work by the Lisbon artist Manuel d'Oliveira, installed in 1883, and its initial gilding was executed by the Brazilian J. Nunes Sobrinho in 1885. Later, in 1908, the side altarpieces were added, created by the Florentine carpenters António de Maurício de Fraga and Francisco José Pimentel, whose carvings received gilding in the 1960s, by the hands of the artist from São Miguel, António Jacinto Carreiro.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3781759,-31.174214
Coordinates DMS: 39°22'41.4"N 31°10'27.2"W
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