Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazareth Church) is a colonial church in Luanda, Angola, built in 1664.[1] It is located in the centre of the city, overlooking Luanda Bay.[2]

Interior of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

History

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The church was built in 1664 by Governor André Vidal de Negreiros (1606–1680) in gratitude to the Virgin Mary 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 in 1665.[3] The building was reconstructed in the late 19th century.[4]

Architecture

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The little church consists of a rather austere rectangular nave and chancel built in a simple Baroque architecture 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.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Isabel Martins. "Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, a Portuguese colonial church built in 1664, Luanda". PBase. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  2. ^ "Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, Luanda". Google Maps. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Igreja de Nossa Senhora da NazaréFoto: Michael TeagueAcervo: FCG Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré" (in Portuguese). Património de Influência Portuguese. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  4. ^ "Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios" (in Portuguese). SIPA. Retrieved 29 May 2015.

8°48′29″S 13°14′22″E / 8.80806°S 13.23944°E / -8.80806; 13.23944