Main Church of Praia da Vitória

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Praia da Vitória > Praia da Vitória > Santa Cruz

Location:

The Main Church of Praia da Vitória is located in the heart of the city, in the parish of Santa Cruz. It is the largest and most significant religious temple in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, standing out in the urban landscape due to its imposing stature and historical presence.

History and Foundation:

The history of the Main Church dates back to 1456, when it was founded by Jácome de Bruges, the first donatary captain of Vila da Praia. It was a landmark in the religious and community life of the island, being consecrated in 1517. Over the centuries, the building underwent several transformations, many due to earthquakes that devastated the island. It was rebuilt in 1577, on which occasion King D. Sebastião offered the remarkable Manueline-style marble portals that still adorn the temple today. Subsequently, it underwent repairs in 1810 and 1842, demonstrating its resilience and continuity over time.

Architecture and Exterior Details:

The church features a rectangular plan in its main body, with a chancel of similar width to the central nave, flanked by two bell towers that rise on the main facade. Entry is made through an imposing Manueline-style portal, surmounted by a gablet and a small Gothic rose window, which enrich the visual ensemble. In addition to the main portal, the building has side portals, also in Manueline style, allowing access from other points. On the facade, there are inscriptions marking important dates of its foundation, consecration, and successive repairs, testifying to its long and eventful history.

Interior and Sacred Art:

The interior of the Main Church is divided into three naves, separated by well-formed arches resting on robust pillars. This space houses a valuable collection of artistic elements. Of particular note are the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, with its rich gilded carving and a wrought-iron portico, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, also adorned with Baroque carving. The ribbed vaults of the side chapels, in Manueline style, and the Renaissance altarpiece of the Chapel of the Lord of Sorrows are other points of interest. In the baptistery, a marble baptismal font stands out. The holy water fonts, located on the first columns, are considered an offering from King D. Manuel I. The sacristy, in turn, displays a jacaranda wood chest and an oval lioz stone table. The church's collection includes a treasure of sacred art, with rare images and religious liturgical objects.

The Historic Pipe Organ:

One of the most notable elements inside the church is its pipe organ, a piece of great historical and musical value. Built of mahogany wood in 1793 by the celebrated organ builder António Xavier Machado e Cerveira, this instrument was restored in 1991, regaining its sonic majesty and functionality. In addition to the organ, the church possesses old bells, notably two larger ones dating from 1473 and a smaller one from 1857.

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