Church of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Vila do Porto > Vila do Porto > Largo Silva Leal

Location

Located in Largo Silva Leal, in the town of Vila do Porto, the Church of Santo Antão marks a notable presence in the urban fabric. It is situated in an area where the town's development is evident, with the churchyard adapting to the terrain's slope, providing a unique and inviting entrance to the temple.

Historical Journey

The history of the Church of Santo Antão dates back to the 16th century, when a primitive hermitage dedicated to Saint Anthony was established on this site. Its existence is mentioned, for example, by Gaspar Frutuoso, in the context of events such as the incursion of French privateers in 1576, underscoring its antiquity and relevance. In the early 20th century, due to its advanced state of degradation, the church underwent a significant reconstruction, which took place in 1933. The project was designed by the carver João Soares Cordeiro, and the works were supported by the generosity of the community and emigrants. The re-consecration of the temple occurred on January 8, 1934, and since then, devotion to the patron saint is celebrated annually in January with a pilgrimage.

Architecture and Detail

The Church of Santo Antão features a rectangular plan with a main nave, distinguished by its two bell towers flanking the main facade. On the sides, two small volumes corresponding to the chapels can be observed. The construction is of stone masonry, with the walls plastered and whitewashed, contrasting with the plinth, quoins, pilasters, cornices, and decorative elements, which are painted, giving it a particular aesthetic. The main facade, facing south, is marked by a harmonious arrangement of three sections, separated by pilasters. The central part features a door, a rectangular window, and an oculus, vertically aligned and joined by moldings and decorative elements. The ensemble is topped by a curved pediment, adorned with a relief in the tympanum, and a cross at the apex. The bell towers, in turn, are topped by belfries with four perfect arch openings, culminating in a balustrade with pinnacles, a detail that enriches the building's silhouette. Access to the temple is via a staircase leading to a semicircular churchyard, providing an inviting entrance.

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