Parish Church of Saint James (Ribeira Seca)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Calheta > Ribeira Seca > Rua de Baixo

Location

Situated in the picturesque parish of Ribeira Seca, which is part of the municipality of Calheta, on the Azorean island of São Jorge, the Parish Church of São Tiago stands on Rua de Baixo. Its location on a volcanic island provides it with a particular natural setting, typical of the Azorean landscape, where architecture harmonizes with the island environment.

Architecture and Materials

The Parish Church of São Tiago features architecture with strong Baroque characteristics, evident in its solidity and details. The building is distinguished by its imposing bell tower and the meticulous work in black basalt masonry, a local stone that gives the temple a robust and distinctive visual identity. Inside, the organization into three naves contributes to a sense of spaciousness and welcome.

A Story of Resilience

The trajectory of this church is a testament to resilience in the face of the forces of nature. The original construction, dating from the 16th century, was unfortunately destroyed in 1757 by a powerful earthquake, an event that became known as "God's Mandate". Despite the devastation, the temple was quickly rebuilt, with its reconstruction completed in 1761. More than two centuries later, in 1980, a new earthquake caused significant damage, but the church's structure remained firm. Between 1990 and 1993, it underwent a careful and extensive restoration that restored its grandeur, ensuring its continuity.

Interior Details and Sacred Art

Upon entering the church, visitors are invited to appreciate the richness of its interior. The chancel, one of the most prominent features, is adorned by a splendid gold and blue painted altarpiece, which captures attention with its color and detail. The interior space is complemented by two side altars and niches, which enrich the artistic composition of the temple. There is also a chapel designated to house the Tabernacle. The main altar, whose original construction dates back to 1774, has undergone several restoration processes over the years, the most recent being in 1996, at which time the side altars were also restored, ensuring the preservation of this heritage for future generations.

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