Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Açores > Velas > Fajã da Ribeira da Areia > Norte Grande
The Hermitage of Our Lady of Fátima is situated in the picturesque Fajã da Ribeira da Areia, a place of striking natural beauty, integrated into the civil parish of Norte Grande, municipality of Velas. This fajã is a peculiar geological formation, characteristic of São Jorge Island, extending as a coastal platform at the foot of an imposing cliff. The hermitage is located within this unique setting, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and connection to the Azorean coastal landscape.
The history of the Hermitage of Our Lady of Fátima dates back to the mid-20th century. The main edifice was completed in 1946, reflecting the local community's devotion. Subsequently, in 1968, the structure was enhanced with the construction of its bell tower, an element that stands out in the temple's modest architecture. The hermitage stands as a simple and authentic example of the region's traditional religious architecture, harmoniously integrated into its surroundings.
This place carries a history that demonstrates the island's resilience in the face of natural forces. In 1980, when a powerful earthquake struck São Jorge, the Hermitage of Our Lady of Fátima was in a situation of extreme risk. A colossal landslide, triggered by the earthquake on the cliff adjacent to the fajã, occurred a short distance from the temple, miraculously sparing it from destruction. This event lends the hermitage symbolic value of perseverance and protection, making it a point of interest that goes beyond its architecture, evoking the memory of a crucial moment in the island's history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.6702352,-28.0258893
Coordinates DMS: 38°40'12.8"N 28°01'33.2"W
Weather Fajã da Ribeira da Areia
On-duty Pharmacy Fajã da Ribeira da Areia
