Main Church of Our Lady of the Star

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Ribeira Grande > Ribeira Grande > Matriz

Location

- Located in Largo Gaspar Frutuoso, in the parish of Matriz, municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores.

History

- Origins in the late 15th century as a small hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Purification.

- In 1507, construction began on the main church, inspired by the Church of São Miguel Arcanjo in Vila Franca do Campo.

- Completed in 1517, under the invocation of Our Lady of the Star.

- Decorated throughout the 16th century with valuable panels, altarpieces, and vestments.

- Survived several earthquakes in the 16th and 17th centuries.

- Rebuilt between 1728 and 1736 after the collapse of the bell tower.

- The roof collapsed in 1834 and was rebuilt by the parish council.

- Restoration of the carvings in 1862.

- Workplace of Father Gaspar Frutuoso, author of "Saudades da Terra".

Characteristics

- Impressive façade with three doorways and tiles in the central body.

- Bell tower on the right with bells.

- Museum of Sacred Art in the sacristy, with silverware and a 16th-century Flemish triptych.

- Highlights include the altar of the Three Wise Men, the gilded carvings of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the choir stalls of the chancel, and the ceiling frescoes.

- Notable artwork "Arcano" in the upper choir, composed of hundreds of figures molded in rice flour, gum arabic, and alum, depicting biblical scenes.

Classification

- Classified as a Property of Public Interest.

Tips for Tourists

- Explore the impressive façade of the church with its doorways and tiles.

- Visit the Museum of Sacred Art in the sacristy to see the valuable silverware and the Flemish triptych.

- Do not miss the "Arcano" in the upper choir, a unique work of art.

- Admire the rich gilded carvings and ceiling frescoes.

- Learn more about the history of the church and the island with a guided tour or through information materials available on site.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Estrela_(Ribeira_Grande)

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