Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazareth Church) is a colonial church in

Luanda Luanda ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Angola, largest city of Angola. It is Angola's primary port, and its major industrial, cultural and urban centre. Located on Angola's northern Atlantic coast, Luanda is Ang ...

, Angola, built in 1664. It is located in the centre of the city, overlooking Luanda Bay.

History

The church was built in 1664 by Governor André Vidal de Negreiros (1606–1680) in gratitude to the

Virgin Mary Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Saint Joseph, Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure of Christianity, venerated under titles of Mary, mother of Jesus, various titles such as Perpetual virginity ...

for safeguarding his ship during a storm which occurred while he was travelling to Angola. A plaque on the wall, however, indicates it was in fact dedicated to victory at the

Battle of Ambuila Battle of Mbwila (also the Battle of Ambuila, Battle of Mbuila, or Battle of Ulanga) occurred on 29 October 1665 in which Portuguese forces defeated the forces of the Kingdom of Kongo and decapitated king António I of Kongo, also called Nv ...

in 1665. The building was reconstructed in the late 19th century.

Architecture

The little church consists of a rather austere rectangular nave and chancel built in a simple

Baroque architecture Baroque architecture is a highly decorative and theatrical style which appeared in Italy in the late 16th century and gradually spread across Europe. It was originally introduced by the Catholic Church, particularly by the Jesuits, as a means to ...

style. The original plans show that the facade was to be flanked by two towers but these were never built. Instead, there is only a small bell tower. The church was listed as a national monument under Decree No. 135 of 28 June 1932.

References

Roman Catholic churches in Luanda Roman Catholic churches completed in 1664 1664 establishments in the Portuguese Empire 1664 establishments in Africa 17th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in Angola

Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazareth Church) is a colonial church in Luanda, Angola, built in 1664. It is located in the centre of the city, overlooking Luanda Bay. History The church was built in 1664 by Governor André Vidal ...

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