Church of Saint Bartholomew of Regatos

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > São Bartolomeu de Regatos > São Bartolomeu

Location

The Church of São Bartolomeu dos Regatos is located in the parish that shares its name, São Bartolomeu de Regatos, situated in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, on the stunning Terceira Island, Azores. Its position is central to the urbanisation of São Bartolomeu, set within a landscaped churchyard and surrounded by a wall, marking a corner of the urban space.

This parish is located approximately seven kilometres northwest of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, in a transition zone that maintains a predominantly rural character, despite its proximity to the city's periphery. The availability of watercourses, such as Ribeira da Ponte, historically contributed to the formation of the settlement in this area.

A History of Resilience and Transformation

The roots of the Church of São Bartolomeu dos Regatos date back to a small hermitage erected around the year 1500, a foundational landmark noted on its façade by the inscription "FUNDATA 1500". From the mid-16th century, the church became the centre of a parish, as attested by parish records begun in 1564.

Over the centuries, the building underwent several interventions. In 1875, improvements were made, but the temple faced greater challenges in the 20th century. A fire in 1963 and an earthquake in 1964 caused considerable damage. The community then decided on its reconstruction and expansion, a process that involved the removal of internal pillars in 1965, although the main façade retained its original design. Its renovation was completed and marked by the date "RENOVATA 1967". The church was again damaged by the 1980 earthquake, being repaired and reopened in 1985, a testament to local persistence and dedication.

Artistic Treasures and Devotion

Inside the Church of São Bartolomeu dos Regatos, visitors can admire a valuable collection of elements that reflect its rich heritage. The main altar is dominated by the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Nossa Senhora do Socorro), flanked by the figures of the apostle Saint Bartholomew, patron saint of the parish, and Saint Peter. Side chapels house other representations, such as Saint Joseph, the Holy Christ, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Our Lady of the Rosary.

Among the cultural assets, a historic "STERLING" organ stands out, an element that enriches the temple's musical heritage. The main bell, baptised "Bartolomeu", was acquired in 1866 and, after being recast in 1889, was consecrated in a solemn ceremony. More recently, in 2016, the church hosted a permanent exhibition titled "Via Sacra Açores" (Way of the Cross Azores), featuring fourteen paintings by artists from various Azorean Houses spread around the world, offering an artistic and global dimension to the local experience.

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