Saint Peter's Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Ponta Delgada

Location

Situated in the picturesque parish of Ponta Delgada, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, this church stands on an elevated position, offering a distinctive perspective over the urban surroundings. Its churchyard, accessible by staircase, contributes to the imposing presence of the building in the local landscape, highlighting it in the panorama of the Azorean village.

A Historical Legacy

The history of the Church of São Pedro dates back to a primitive hermitage with the same invocation, upon whose ruins the current construction developed. The works of the parish church, as we know it today, began in 1763, on the initiative of Father Francisco de Fraga e Almeida, a prominent figure with great wealth at the time. The construction works, which lasted for several years, reveal the dedication and investment in the building of this important temple, having been restored between 1971 and 1975, which preserved its original design.

Notes on Architecture and Sacred Art

From the exterior, the Church of São Pedro distinguishes itself by its main facade, where one can observe a cartouche with the date 1763, recalling the year its construction began. The walls, plastered and painted white, contrast with the elements in exposed basalt stonework, such as the plinth, quoins, and window frames, typical of Azorean architecture. A single bell tower, topped by a hemispherical dome and a pinnacle, rises on the left side of the building.

Inside, the church features a single nave. Its central point is the gilded altarpiece, which stands out for its richness and imitation of marble, in greenish and brownish tones. Flanking the main altar, there are two smaller side altars, one of which is highlighted by a notable image of the Lord Holy Christ of Miracles. The ceilings of the nave, chancel, and baptistery are made of wood, designed to simulate vaults, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

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