Monuments

A church reborn in the midst of the Atlantic.

The Church of the Most Holy Saviour of the See is an imposing temple, built from 1568 onwards for the seat of the bishopric of the city of Angra, which was inaugurated  in 1534 by Pope Paul III. Until then the existing church was deemed too modest for the purpose.

The city of Angra do Heroísmo, on the island of Terceira, where it is located, developed significantly from the 16th century, becoming a mandatory stopover for the nautical routes of Mina, India and Brazil. In fact, the unique architectonic and scenic legacy of the city earned it the classification of UNESCO world heritage.

The first stone was laid in 1570. With an initial design by architect Luís Gonçalves, work lasted for 48 years.

It is considered the largest church in the entire Azores archipelago. The main facade comprises a porch, a high pediment with a clock (placed there in 1782), a belfry and two side bell towers, with the blue and white azulejo tiles arranged in a herringbone.

Inside, three naves are divided by stone arches, containing the main chapel, with its circular apse and stone vaults supported by Ionic columns. Worthy of note is the rich front of the high altar in 18th century silver-plate and polychrome tiles. In the side chapels there are several altars, some of them dedicated to Marian Devotion. The Our Lady of the Angels alter, which has an image of Our Lady of the Conception and dates from the 18th century, deserves a special mention.

In the sacristy, note the furnishings in pau-brasil and jacaranda wood, and a valuable collection of paintings, sculptures and religious adornments, among them the magnificent pontifical gifted by King D. João V.

The Cathedral of Angra was severely damaged by the earthquake of January 1, 1980, and later by a fire in the early hours of September 25, 1983. A vast artistic treasure, mainly of baroque decoration, was lost in these catastrophes. However, the rebuilt temple retains its distinguishing attributes. It has had a large organ since 1993, and continues to be the pulse of civic life in Angra do Heroísmo, its bells and clock marking the daily life of the Angrenses.