Convent of Our Lady of Hope

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Ponta Delgada > Ponta Delgada > São José

Location:

The Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança is located in Campo de São Francisco, a large area in the heart of the city of Ponta Delgada, within the parish of São José.

Its central position allows for easy access and integration into the city's urban life, being close to other historical center landmarks.

Foundation and History:

The history of this important religious complex dates back to the 16th century. Its construction was initiated by Rui Gonçalves da Câmara, at the time captain-major of the island of São Miguel, and, after his death, by his widow, D. Filipa Coutinho.

It was here that the first nuns of the Order of Santa Clara settled, arriving from the Convent of Caloura, bringing with them the revered image of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, a central figure in Azorean devotion.

The Sanctuary and Devotion:

The Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança houses the Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, the most revered image for the Azorean population. This place is the heart of a deep and centuries-old faith.

The image itself, an Ecce Homo, has a legendary origin, told as a papal gift to two nuns seeking authorization to found a convent on the island.

Architecture and Sacred Art:

The conventual church is renowned for its beauty and artistic richness, remaining one of the city's most beautiful temples. The imposing altarpiece in gilded woodcarving stands out as a magnificent example of the Baroque style.

The interiors are enriched by remarkable sets of tiles. In the lower choir, we find panels by the 18th-century master António de Oliveira Bernardes, illustrating passages from the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

Within the complex, it is possible to find other elements of architectural and artistic interest, such as the octagonal-plan Chapel of Senhor Santo Cristo, various altars in the upper choir, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Paz, also covered with tiles, and a unique cistern with a facade simulating a small temple.

Due to its historical and patrimonial relevance, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança is classified as a Public Interest Property.

The Treasure of Senhor Santo Cristo:

In addition to the image itself, the convent is also the guardian of a very rich and remarkable treasure, associated with Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres.

This collection, formed over centuries and mostly dating from the 18th century, is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable of its kind in Portugal. It includes pieces of great significance such as the Staff (or Scepter), the Rope, the Medallion, the Crown of Thorns, and the imposing Halo that adorns the image.

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