Church of Our Lady of Light

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Ponta Delgada > Fenais da Luz > Farropo

Location

Situated in the heart of the parish of Fenais da Luz, on the island of São Miguel, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz stands in a serene square, surrounded by traditional houses that define the urban environment of the Farropo area, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. Its slightly sloping position gives it a prominent presence in the local landscape.

Historical Roots

The current Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, as it stands today, dates back to the 18th century, built upon the foundations of an even older temple. The first references to the primitive church date back to 1526, having been founded by Jácome Dias Correia and Beatriz Roiz Raposo. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, especially between 1631 and 1775, the building underwent extensive reconstruction and beautification works. It is worth noting that, in 1626, this site witnessed the baptism of Father Bartolomeu de Quental, a prominent figure who would later found the Congregation of the Oratory.

Architectural Features

The architecture of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz exhibits features that reflect its evolution between the 16th and 18th centuries. The main facade, striking in its tripartite design, stands out for the use of dark basalt stone, which contrasts with the plastered and white-painted walls. Inside, the three-nave structure, supported by Tuscan pillars, invites contemplation. The interior ceilings, in false barrel vaults, are enriched with Baroque style stuccoes, which adorn the ceilings and lend a unique atmosphere to the space.

Artistic Treasures

Inside the Church, visitors can discover several elements of artistic and historical interest. In the sacristy, the magnificent tile panels, dated 1713 and attributed to António de Oliveira Bernardes, which display a central medallion dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário, are particularly striking. In this same space, there is a notable blackwood chest and an old clock, testaments to its rich past. The main altarpiece, adorning the main chapel, features a painting by Fernando Sales de Almeida, from the 19th century, while an imposing pipe organ, a work by António Xavier Machado e Cerveira from 1826, elevates the temple's soundscape. In the churchyard in front of the church, a curious stone cross, erected in 1866, commemorates the ancient evangelizing missions that took place there.

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