Our Lady of Pena Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Praia da Vitória > Fontinhas

Location:

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena is located in the parish of Fontinhas, a tranquil place with lush green landscapes in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, on Terceira Island, Azores. The name of the parish, "Fontinhas" (meaning "little fountains"), evokes the abundant presence of small springs in the area, characteristic of its natural surroundings. Situated near the dismantled Serra do Cume Complex, the area is known for the fertility of its lands, which throughout history have shaped the agricultural and rural character of the community.

Its Historical Roots:

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena dates back to the 15th century, with the foundation of an original chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Pena. This first temple was established by João de Ornelas de Saavedra, a nobleman who arrived on the island from Madeira, and his wife, Catarina de Teive, who instituted a family bond known as "das Fontainhas" or "dos Ornelas." The oldest parish records date from 1571, and as early as 1568, a royal charter from King D. Sebastião attested to the existence of this religious community. In the 16th century, historical accounts by Gaspar Frutuoso described Fontinhas as a prosperous place, with wealthy farmers and lands rich in orchards and gardens, whose products were sold as far as the city of Angra.

A History of Resilience:

Throughout the centuries, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena and the locality of Fontinhas were marked by a remarkable capacity for overcoming natural adversities. Earthquakes, such as those recorded in 1614 and, more devastatingly, in 1841, caused significant damage to the building and the surrounding village. Subsequently, in 1925, a cyclone of great intensity hit the region, destroying the temple. It was in the wake of this event that the current church was built, rising as a symbol of local persistence. Even after its construction in the 20th century, the building suffered further damage from the 1980 earthquake, revealing the constant need for recovery and maintenance of this built heritage.

The Current Building and Its Highlights:

The temple observed today in Fontinhas was built in the 20th century, after the destruction caused by the 1925 cyclone, presenting the characteristic religious architecture of that period. The church remains the center of the parish life of the freguesia. Inside, particular attention should be paid to the chancel panels, which were acquired in 1969 and contribute to enriching the artistic collection of the space. The dedication to Nossa Senhora da Pena gives the church a profound spiritual meaning for the inhabitants, with the Virgin Mary considered the protector of all who seek and visit her.

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