Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Madeira > Ponta do Sol > Ponta do Sol > Volta da Forca
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz is located in the town of Ponta do Sol, in the area known as Volta da Forca. Its central position in the locality integrates it into the urban environment of the town, close to the riverside area and other points of local daily interest.
This religious temple began to be built in the late 15th century. Over the centuries, it underwent several interventions that shaped its current appearance. Notably, the reconstruction of the main façade, carried out in early 18th century, in 1708, aimed to expand the church's interior space. The building displays a mixture of architectural styles, particularly Manueline and Neo-Mannerist elements.
In its exterior structure, the church has a single nave and a square-based bell tower. The main façade ends in a gable, with a full arch portal framed by stonework. The tower is marked by quoins also in stonework and includes a clock on one of its faces, being topped by a spire covered with tiles, surmounted by a weathercock.
Upon visiting the church's interior, one discovers a single-nave space, flanked by various side chapels that house different artistic elements. The walls of the chancel are adorned with patterned tiles, creating a visually rich environment. The chancel ceiling is particularly noteworthy, being an impressive Hispano-Arabic style alfarje work, decorated with paintings.
The main altarpiece, in gilded and greyish-blue carving, with its five oil paintings, constitutes a focal point of the chancel. Likewise, the baptismal font deserves attention for its uniqueness, featuring a green ceramic decoration of Mudéjar taste, a piece considered unique in Portugal. The church's collection also includes a set of silver religious artifacts, adding value to its heritage.
Among the side chapels, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio, also known as Capela do Cocho, holds historical interest. It is here that the tombstone of Rodrigues Eanes, o Coxo, a figure linked to the church's early days, is found, with an inscription in Gothic script. The different chapels feature varied altarpieces and paintings, each with its own history and aesthetics.
In the church's high choir, there is a pipe organ, classified as a positive cabinet organ. This instrument was built in 1761, in Lisbon, by João da Cunha. Maintaining most of its original characteristics, despite some interventions over time, it underwent careful restoration in the 21st century to preserve its historical timbre and mechanism.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 32.6800531,-17.1046788
Coordinates DMS: 32°40'48.2"N 17°06'16.8"W