Church of Our Lady of Hope

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

Located in the city of Porto, in the heart of its Historic Centre, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança is situated at 349 Avenida Rodrigues de Freitas. Its location places it directly within Porto's urban fabric, reflecting the rich history and charismatic atmosphere of the Invicta.

A Legacy of Compassion

This remarkable temple has its roots in the 18th century, closely linked to the founding of the Colégio de Nossa Senhora da Esperança. This college was established in 1724 with the noble purpose of serving as a shelter for orphaned girls, an initiative that began to welcome its first twenty young women in 1731. Its creation and sustenance were made possible by the generous legacy of the Reverend Manuel de Passos Castro, and since then, both the church and the college have remained under the management of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto, witnessing a continuous history of social and spiritual assistance.

Architectural Features and Chronology

The construction of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança began in 1746 and was completed in 1763, replacing a previous temple that served the patients of the old Hospital de São Lázaro. Although often associated with prominent figures of Porto's architecture of the time, its authorship is most frequently attributed to João de Moura Coutinho e Almeida. Its structure reflects the style of the era, contributing to the architectural richness of Porto.

The Impressive Pipe Organ

In the church's choir loft, visitors can admire an English-style pipe organ, a piece of great musical and historical value. This instrument was built in 1891 by the renowned British master Peter Conacher and underwent a careful restoration in 1990, ensuring the preservation of its sound and beauty for future generations.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Esperança_(Porto)

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