Church of Saint Lazarus

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Vila Franca do Campo > Água de Alto

Location

Situated in the picturesque parish of Água de Alto, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, on the island of São Miguel, the Church of São Lázaro stands in a unique urban setting. The temple is built on a slightly elevated platform in relation to the surrounding streets, adapting to the natural slope of the terrain. In front of the main facade, a rectangular churchyard extends, accessible by a wide staircase that invites approach and contemplation of the building and its surroundings.

Historical Background

The history of the Church of São Lázaro delves into the roots of the 16th century, with the first references to a temple on the site appearing as early as 1511. From its beginnings, this church was intimately linked to an important leper colony, a place of welcome for leprosy patients, assuming a fundamental social and religious function in the community. Over the centuries, the building underwent several transformations. In the early 17th century, a diocesan bishop found it in a precarious state, leading to the transfer of the parish. However, local devotion to São Lázaro spurred its revitalization. In the 19th century, due to population growth and the need for more space, major expansion works were undertaken, culminating in the appearance observed today, with the date 1855 featuring on the frontispiece as a testament to this important constructive stage.

Architecture and Materials

The Church of São Lázaro exhibits characteristics of 19th-century religious architecture, featuring a rectangular plan with three naves and a chancel. The main facade, painted white and adorned with rusticated basalt stone quoins, is tripartite by pilasters, reflecting the interior's spatial organization. The central portal, with its lobed arch, distinguishes itself from the lateral portals with straight lintels. On the tympanum, a circular oculus, now filled by a clock, adds a distinctive touch. The bell tower, attached to the left side facade, rises in two registers and is topped by a pierced parapet, housing the parish bells inside.

Interior Details

Upon entering, the visitor is enveloped by an atmosphere of simplicity and beauty. The naves, separated by perfect round arches resting on pillars, lead the gaze to the chancel. Here, the main altarpiece stands out, a 19th-century work in polychrome and gilded carving. This central element, with a concave body and a single axis, is marked by the presence of pilasters and fluted columns with Corinthian capitals. The chancel ceiling is a false barrel vault, elegantly painted, contributing to the atmosphere of contemplation. Additionally, in 1832, the church received valuable pieces from the former Convent of the Franciscans of Vila Franca, which enriched its artistic heritage.

Devotion and Heritage

Remaining a center of religious life in the community, the Church of São Lázaro continues to be a place of devotion. The presence of an original leper colony and the temple's resilience over the centuries, which led it to be re-established as a parish in the early 20th century, underscore its historical and cultural importance. The feast in honor of the patron saint, São Lázaro, celebrated annually on December 17, keeps alive a tradition that has spanned centuries, perpetuating the legacy of this place of faith and history on the island of São Miguel.

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