Church of Saint Barbara of Manadas

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Velas > Manadas > Manadas (Santa Bárbara)

Location:

Situated in the peaceful parish of Manadas, part of the municipality of Velas, this church stands on the south coast of São Jorge Island. Its position in the locality of Manadas, close to the sea, gives it a unique setting within the landscape of this area of the island.

Origins and History:

The temple we see today dates back to 1770, but its history stretches much further back, with a first church built on the same site around 1485. Vestiges of that primitive construction still remain, particularly in the sacristy area. Due to its historical and artistic importance, the Church of Santa Bárbara das Manadas was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1950.

The Exterior Facade:

From the outside, the Church of Santa Bárbara presents a sober yet harmonious facade. The bell tower, quadrangular in shape and topped with a dome, stands out with its three bells. Details in dark basalt stone outline the main door and the choir window, above which is a niche with the image of the patron saint, Santa Bárbara. This exterior appearance contrasts with the richness discovered upon entering.

The Baroque Richness of the Interior:

Upon crossing the portal, a surprising interior is revealed, abundantly decorated in the Baroque style. Gilded woodcarving covers altars, altarpieces, and other elements, creating an atmosphere of great beauty. The walls and ceilings are adorned with various paintings on wood and canvas, depicting biblical scenes, the lives of saints, and other religious themes. Six panels of 18th-century blue and white tiles in the chancel narrate the story of Saint Barbara.

Symbolic Details and Materials:

Numerous symbolic elements are integrated into the decoration, such as the pelican on the altar of Our Lady of Conception, interpreted as a symbol of the Eucharist, and the scallop shell, present in various places and associated with the idea of pilgrimage and spiritual search. The extensive use of cedro-do-mato wood lends a characteristic aroma to the interior and is a reflection of local resources. A particular detail is the lighting effect that occurs on summer solstice afternoons, when the light of the setting sun passes through a window and directly illuminates the carved heart in the tabernacle.

A Symbol of Local Devotion:

Among the various images and altars, the one dedicated to the Lord Jesus of the Afflicted stands out. This image has a deep connection with the recent history of the local community, having been carried in constant procession through the streets of the parish during the seismic crisis of 1964. This act of popular faith, considered by the inhabitants as divine intercession, resulted in the subsequent adornment of the image and its cross with silver elements, as an expression of gratitude.

Other Notable Pieces:

In addition to the rich fixed decoration, the church houses pieces of furniture and sacred art of interest. This includes a table with wood inlays, dated 1799, which features symbols of Saint Barbara's martyrdom. There is also an old silver chandelier in the chancel, whose history dates back to the late 18th century. Pieces such as the organ and the choir balustrade, both restored, highlight the work of local artisans and those from other provenances over the centuries.

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