The Church of Santo Inácio de Loyola, also known as the College Church or Jesuit Church, is an iconic landmark in Largo Prior do Crato, next to the Duque da Terceira Garden, in the heart of the Historic Center of Angra do Heroísmo.
History
The Jesuits arrived on Terceira Island at the end of the 16th century and began the construction of this church in 1637. Although inaugurated in 1651, some details and decorations remained unfinished.
The church’s architecture follows the typical Jesuit style: a single-nave structure with deep interconnected chapels and two pulpits for better interaction with the community.
With the expulsion of the Society of Jesus from Portugal in the 18th century, the church passed to the Third Order of Carmel.
The church’s decoration is predominantly mannerist, although standout elements include the baroque image of Our Lady of the Assumption, carved in Azorean cedar, and the Flemish piece of Saint Ursula, painted directly on oak boards. The chapel of Saint Francis Xavier features a blend of cedar and jacaranda (Brazilian rosewood), as well as gold details directly on the stone in the transept.
Trivia
Art in Painting and Tiles: The church houses a Flemish painting of Saint Ursula, executed directly on oak boards, as well as an important panel of Dutch tiles attributed to the 17th and 18th centuries.
