Parish Church of Santa Cruz das Ribeiras

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Lajes do Pico > Santa Cruz das Ribeiras > Ribeiras

Location:

The Parish Church of Santa Cruz das Ribeiras is located in the village of Ribeiras, a coastal area in the municipality of Lajes do Pico, on Pico Island, Azores. Its location in this environment, deeply linked to maritime activities, is an integral part of its history and the very toponymy of "Santa Cruz das Ribeiras" and the nearby "Cais de Santa Cruz" (Santa Cruz Pier).

Origins and the Legend of the Miraculous Lord:

The foundation of this church dates back to a small primitive hermitage, erected by early settlers of the region. Its initial purpose was to house a modest image of the crucified Jesus Christ which, according to an old local tradition, was found in the sea. This image quickly became an object of great devotion, coming to be known as Senhor Jesus Milagroso (Miraculous Lord Jesus). The veneration surrounding this figure was so significant that it inspired the name Santa Cruz das Ribeiras for the place and its adjacent port, Cais de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Pier), solidifying the link between faith and the community's daily maritime life.

Architecture and Artistic Value:

The Church of Santa Cruz das Ribeiras, though modest in size, features a structure that invites observation. It consists of a single nave and has three altars, an arrangement that reflects its typology. Inside, the presence of the very ancient image of the Lord Jesus is a central element, evoking centuries of faith and history. Additionally, the church houses a collection of sacred artifacts of great artistic value, pieces that have been offered by parishioners over time and that enrich the cultural and spiritual heritage of the temple.

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