Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Açores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Boavista
Located in the Boavista urbanisation, in Santa Cruz das Flores, this church stands in an urban environment but with a notable presence. It stands isolated in its placement, occupying an elevated platform in relation to the surrounding street. This distinct position allows its silhouette to be easily visible from various areas of the locality. To the left of the church, a walled garden extends, which includes an octagonal wellhead at its centre, contributing to the serenity of the surrounding space.
The history of the Church of Our Lady of Conception dates back to 1781, the year its construction began on the same site where an older temple, contemporary with the founding of the town, once stood. The work extended over a considerable period, reflected in the very architecture of the facade, which exhibits characteristics of two distinct construction phases. Its consecration would only occur in 1859, after decades of work. Recognised for its relevance, the church was classified as a Property of Public Interest, attesting to its heritage and historical value for the archipelago.
This church stands out for its generous proportions, unusual for Azorean dimensions. The exterior is marked by plastered and white-painted stone masonry, contrasting with the apparent stonework that shapes elements such as plinths, quoins, cornices, pilasters, and the frames of the openings, adorned with pinnacles and other decorative details. On the main facade, a Latin inscription evokes the dedication to Our Lady of Conception.
Inside, the space is distributed across three naves, highlighting the main altar, where an imposing image of Our Lady of Conception, over two metres high, stands out. The gold leaf decorations present, made in the mid-20th century, and the beautiful images, enrich the environment. The ceiling of the naves and the sacristy is made of wood, giving it a vaulted appearance. The church also houses a historic organ, dating from 1903, by Manuel Serpa da Silva.
As a parish church, the building maintains its active religious function, serving as a central point for the community. Devotion to Our Lady of Conception is particularly manifested in the feast dedicated to its patroness, celebrated annually on December 8th. This festivity is one of the most significant events on the island, attracting numerous participants and strengthening the cultural and spiritual connection to the place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4524157,-31.1275167
Coordinates DMS: 39°27'8.7"N 31°07'39.1"W
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