Church of the Recolhimento of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Vila do Porto > Vila do Porto > Flor da Rosa

Location

Located in the Flor da Rosa urbanization, in Vila do Porto, the Church of Recolhimento de Santo António is found on Santa Maria Island, Azores. Its central position in the town allows for easy access, integrating into the local urban landscape. The building, now adapted to new functions, is a recognizable landmark due to its traditional architecture and its bell tower, which stands out among the surrounding constructions.

A History of Transformation

The Church of Recolhimento de Santo António has roots dating back to the 16th century, when a small hermitage existed on the site. In the late 17th century, this religious space gained a new dimension with the founding of a retreat for maidens, a private initiative by André Fernandes de Almada and Leonor de Andrade. This period marked a significant expansion and alteration of the building's appearance, with the date 1689 visible above the portal testifying to this era of renovation.

Over the centuries, the original religious complex went through various phases. After the suppression of religious orders in the 19th century, the Recolhimento ceased its activities. In the 20th century, the main building of the former retreat was adapted to house a cinema and, later, a supermarket. The church, in turn, lay in ruins until it was redeveloped and reopened as a Municipal Public Library in the late 1980s. Currently, since 2011, this space houses the Casa da Juventude (Youth House), serving as a hub for activities aimed at the island's youth.

Architectural Details

The church's construction is made of plastered and whitewashed stone masonry, a common style in Azorean buildings. The building comprises rectangular-plan sections, forming an "L" shape, and a more elevated section corresponding to the old chancel. On the facade, the bell tower stands out on the left side, with its two perfect arches and a cross at the top.

The main portal, located in the center of the former nave, is topped by a peculiar pediment, with a stone that once displayed the date 1689, and which today shows an inscription of 1693. Inside, although adapted to its current functions, the space retains traces of its original design, such as the reference to the altar of Senhor da Paciência (Lord of Patience), which once featured gilded carving, a testament to the artistic detail present in this ancient temple.

Echoes of the Past and Local Legends

The founding of the Recolhimento de Santo António is linked to stories that capture the imagination. One of the best-known legends refers to the discovery of a treasure by André Fernandes de Almada. According to popular narrative, this merchant found a chest filled with gold coins hidden by pirates in a cave. Not wanting the treasure for himself, Almada is said to have used the wealth to finance the construction and expansion of the retreat, intended to house and educate young maidens.

Another notable story associated with this place is the "Miracle of the Oil of Our Lady of Pilar." It is said that, in the 17th century, a small flask of oil from São Miguel island, intended for one of the first residents, Maria de Santo António, miraculously boiled, filling a jar and continuing to do so periodically in the devotee's cell, a testament to the profound faith linked to this historical space.

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