Church of Our Lady of the Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Horta > Horta > Conceição

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is located in the city of Horta, specifically in the Conceição area, which gives it its name. Situated in the municipality of Horta, on Faial Island, in the Azores, its presence marks this urban area, reflecting the life and history of the local community.

A History of Resilience

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a testament to its capacity for overcoming adversity throughout the centuries. The first record of a temple on this site dates back to the early days of the island's settlement, a humble straw hermitage, erected on land that once belonged to Jorge Withon. However, its existence was ephemeral, as it was plundered and burned in August 1597 during Sir Walter Raleigh's attack on Horta.

After its destruction, a new temple was erected in 1749, still of modest dimensions. Its design was even documented in 19th-century engravings. However, in 1926, a violent earthquake shook the island, and this church, with its two towers, succumbed to the forces of nature. The construction of the current building began in 1933, initiated by Father António Inácio da Silveira. Although initially conceived with smaller proportions, the committee in charge of the work decided to enlarge it during the opening of the foundations. Even after its completion, the church faced new challenges, suffering significant damage in 1941 due to an explosion in a nearby ammunition depot, and again in 1957-1958 due to the seismic crisis of the Capelinhos Volcano, and more recently with the 1998 earthquake, which damaged it once more. Each reconstruction is a chapter in its long and persistent history.

Architecture and Uniqueness

The building seen today stands out for its original design in Art Deco style, an uncommon architectural choice for religious temples in the region, giving it a very distinctive visual identity. In addition to its exterior aesthetics, the church conceals a unique feature within: a crypt that extends beneath its entire base. This element, not always visible at first glance, adds an additional dimension to its uniqueness, inviting a closer exploration.

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