Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Norte Grande)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Velas > Norte Grande > Fajã do Ouvidor

Location

Situated in the parish of Norte Grande, within the urbanization or area of Fajã do Ouvidor, the Church of Nossa Senhora das Neves is located in the municipality of Velas, on the island of São Jorge, Azores. Its presence marks the local landscape, standing out as a point of reference for the community and for those visiting this part of the island.

Origin and Evolution

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora das Neves begins with a primitive religious construction, whose origins are between the 16th and 17th centuries, although the exact date remains a point of historical debate due to the scarcity of documentation. The current building, which we observe today, was erected in 1762, on the ruins of its predecessor. The architectural design of this new temple was authored by José de Avelar de Melo, an architect residing in the town of Velas. During the 1970s, the church benefited from restoration and maintenance works, which allowed its essential characteristics to be preserved without distorting its original appearance.

Witness to the Yam Mutiny

More than a mere religious building, the Church of Nossa Senhora das Neves played a central role in a significant moment in the history of São Jorge: the Yam Mutiny. In 1694, this temple was the stage and refuge for the tithe collectors, surrounded by the population revolted against the taxation of yams. The revolt, which began two years earlier due to accumulated debts by farmers, culminated here. The conflict only found its resolution when the parish priest climbed the bell tower and, in a symbolic gesture, burned the list with the names of those involved in the uprising, calming spirits and forever engraving the place in the island's historical memory.

Architectural Features

The church features a single-body configuration, with a nave leading to a singular chancel. This space, adorned with tiles, imparts a distinctive ambiance to the temple's interior. The carving of the chancel stands out for its painting in blue and gold, revealing artistic details that enrich the experience of those who observe it. In the side chapels, there are images of Senhor dos Passos and Nossa Senhora de Fátima, elements that complement the atmosphere of contemplation and devotion of the place.

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