Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Açores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Cedros
On Flores Island, one of the westernmost islands of the Azores archipelago, lies the locality of Cedros, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores. It is in this setting of exuberant natural beauty that the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Pillar stands. Although situated in an urban-like environment, its isolated position grants it particular visibility and integration into the local landscape, making it an easily identifiable landmark.
The origin of the parish of Cedros and its church dates back to the late 17th century. In 1693, the locality of Cedros was elevated to a parish, and the construction of a temple dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar was completed. This initiative resulted from the community's desire to have a resident priest and its own church, an aspiration that was formalized with the support of the captain-donee of the time, D. Martinho Mascarenhas, who contributed to the main chapel and donated the image of the Virgin. Historical accounts suggest that, by around 1715, the population already felt the need for a dedicated temple and closer religious service.
The building observed today is the result of a long journey and several transformations over the centuries. The original church of Cedros, after successive rebuildings and enlargements, was demolished in September 1945 due to its advanced deterioration and lack of solidity. The community was quick to act, and the first stone for the construction of the current temple was laid on January 22, 1950. The official inauguration took place on July 18, 1953, marking a new and significant chapter in local religious history. On the building's tower, a plaque can be found commemorating the church's Golden Jubilee, between 1953 and 2003, a testament to its recent history and the continuity of its function.
The Church of Our Lady of the Pillar, in its current configuration, dates from the 1950s, featuring a robust and functional construction. Built with stone masonry and covered with tiles, its architecture reflects the construction patterns of the 20th century, maintaining a dignified presence in the local landscape. The main patron saint of the parish is Our Lady of the Pillar, a central figure in the community's devotion. This temple continues to be a point of unity and faith for the community of Cedros, where religious acts and celebrations take place throughout the year.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4814122,-31.1528376
Coordinates DMS: 39°28'53.1"N 31°09'10.2"W
Weather Cedros
On-duty Pharmacy Cedros
