The Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel is the only neo-Gothic-style chapel in the Azorean archipelago. They constructed it at the end of the 19th century on the south shore of Lagoa das Furnas, and it forms part of the Mata-Jardim José do Canto.
Inspired by the unparalleled churches of the main European capitals, this emblematic monument attracts thousands of worshipers and tourists worldwide annually. The chapel is located in the parish of Furnas, in the municipality of Povoação, in São Miguel.
To help you explore this impressive Christian temple’s unique beauty, we’ve created a guide detailing its history, providing information about the chapel, and highlighting must-visit tourist attractions in this island area.
What is the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel?
The Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel, located on the western shore of Furnas Lake in São Miguel, Azores, is a neo-Gothic marvel built in the late 19th century by José do Canto as a tribute of devotion.
Who Built the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel and Why?
José do Canto, a prominent landowner and botanist, built the chapel during the late 19th century to honor his wife during her illness.
In fact, the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, is also known as José do Canto Chapel. And it is one of the most cherished monuments in São Miguel, celebrated by locals and visitors. Built between 1877 and 1888, the chapel represents the religious devotion of José do Canto, an influential figure in the region.
Set in a picturesque natural landscape, the chapel gained recognition as a Property of Public Interest in 2001 due to its historical and architectural significance.
José do Canto commissioned the construction of the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel as an act of faith to recover his wife, Maria Guilhermina, who was gravely ill. The French architect André Breton designed the chapel, and local masons, led by Master António de Sousa Redemoinho, executed the basalt stonework. However, José do Canto passed away 12 years before they officially inaugurated the chapel on August 15, 1888.
What Architectural Style Characterizes the Chapel?
The chapel is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture, featuring ornate spires, intricate stonework, and a stunning lakeside setting.
Inside the church, visitors can admire a beautiful Jasper image on the high altar and view the tombs of José do Canto and Maria Guilhermina. On the outside, you can see a tall bell tower made of dark stone, where the stained-glass windows of the 13 ogival windows stand out — the windows depict biblical scenes from the life of Our Lady.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is in the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago. Here, you will notice the atypical characteristics of this climate. These result from many factors contributing to its plant exuberance and landscape value.
The climate is mild regardless of the season, and the average values do not present many changes. Temperatures vary between:
- 16 °C in spring;
- 21 °C in summer;
- 18 °C in autumn;
- 14 °C in winter.
For more info about the weather in the Azores, check the links below:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Price and Opening Hours of Mata-Jardim José do Canto
As mentioned above, the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel is located within the Mata-Jardim José do Canto. You can also explore an extensive garden with many botanical species, discover a waterfall, and visit two beautiful rural tourist buildings beside the chapel.
To enjoy this unique experience, we recommend that you plan your visit to Mata-Jardim José do Canto in good time, considering the following information:
- Opening hours:
- Winter (October to March): open every day from 10h00 to 17h00;
- Summer (April to September): open daily from 10h00 to 18h00.
- Prices:
- Adults: 4 euros;
- Children (aged 8 to 12) / People older than 65 / Ponta Delgada residents: 2 euros;
- Children (up to 8 years old): free entry.
What to Do Around the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Paz?
Explore Mata-Jardim José do Canto
Mata José do Canto is on the south side of Lagoa das Furnas. The man who named it in 1861 planted it in an arid area affected by the Lagoa Seca volcano, which has been silent since 1630. Barrillet-Deschamps, a prominent French landscaper known for other successful projects, co-authored the gardens of the Champs-Élysées in Paris and designed the project.
This ten-hectare woodland garden features centuries-old camellias and towering sequoias alongside the picturesque Salto do Rosal trail. This 2 km path leads to a pristine waterfall, offering a tranquil experience. The site has welcomed visitors since August 2014, providing a unique natural escape.
The flora in Mata-Jardim is exceptional. Here, you can see a vast collection of camellias planted along the property’s extensive boulevards and in the new ‘camelito’, as well as many remarkable trees and endemic plants, some Indigenous and others from temperate and subtropical regions.
Discover Salto do Rosal
Salto do Rosal is a beautiful waterfall with crystal-clear waters. It is located inside the José do Canto Forest Garden and is one of the most popular places for visitors.
After visiting Vale dos Fetos, you can take a short trail to the waterfall. The trail stretches for approximately 2 km and winds through an area filled with endemic vegetation. Amidst the lush vegetation, the sculptures carved into the volcanic rock by the icy water coming from the Salto do Rosal stand out.
On the way back to the starting point, it’s worth taking a short detour to the Tornino Spring and enjoying the Ginkgo biloba.
Explore the Vale dos Fetos
The parents of the current owner of Mata-Jardim José do Canto created Vale dos Fetos in the middle of the 20th century. This beautiful garden boasts countless varieties of ferns and other endemic plant species.
Ernesto Hintze Ribeiro and his wife Maria Josefa Gabriela Borges de Sousa Jácome Corrêa decided to plant a new “fern valley” after destroying the original. This new valley, originally outside the property, replaced the first one. Vale dos Fetos has an endless collection of botany, such as:
- Ferns of the species Angiopteris evecta, Cibotium glaucum, Woodwardia radicans, and Dicksonia antarcticada;
- Elegant palm;
- New Zealand palm;
- Canary palm;
- Fan palms;
- Windmill palms;
- Among others.
Visit Casa dos Barcos and Casa da Lagoa
The owners originally built the Casa dos Barcos as a cottage-inspired by Nordic (Anglo-Flemish) architecture. Later, they converted the building into a rural tourism resort, which they originally called the Navigation Pavilion.
On the other hand, Casa da Lagoa, also converted into a Rural Tourism space, is the former “Fishing Pavilion”, initially built as a Franco-Swiss chalet inspired by the picturesque architecture of the time.
These rural lodgings offer a range of natural and historical elements that will make your stay or visit memorable. You can stay in these beautiful houses while visiting São Miguel.
The buildings form part of the Mata-Jardim José do Canto, located on the south shore of Lagoa das Furnas. In addition to the garden of exceptional botanical diversity, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias is also located there.
Enjoying the Tranquility of Furnas Lake
Furnas Lake is an ex-libris of the island of São Miguel, known for its tranquil setting and permanent contact with nature. This is why it attracts thousands of visitors annually who explore the region.
Located in an ancient volcanic crater, Furnas Lake occupies a considerable part of the Furnas Volcano caldera.
Did you know
Although constant volcanic activity surrounds Furnas Lake, the eruption of Furnas Volcano in 1630 marked its last eruption. Since then, the volcano has remained dormant.
We can still observe several intra-caldera volcanic cones, domes, thermal springs with medicinal properties, hot water pools, geysers, and volcanic fumaroles in this landscape. These geothermal features offer natural beauty and therapeutic benefits, contributing to the region’s unique volcanic landscape. People also know the natural kitchens where they prepare the famous Furnas stew.
With the large influx of tourists, entry to the lagoon costs €3 per person.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Furnas: Caldeiras das Furnas | Furnas | Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias | Castelo Branco Viewpoint | Lagoa das Furnas | Lagoa das Furnas Viewpoint | Mata-Jardim José do Canto | Parque Terra Nostra’s Thermal Pool | Pico do Ferro Viewpoint | Poça da Dona Beija | Ribeira Quente | Praia do Fogo | Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint | Salto do Rosal | Terra Nostra Garden
Where To Eat Near Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias
Click on the following link if you want to search for a place to eat near the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. You’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor on it.
Where To Stay Near Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel
FAQs
What is the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias?
The Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias is a neo-Gothic chapel in Furnas, São Miguel. It was built between 1877 and 1888 as an act of faith by José do Canto for his wife’s recovery. It is renowned for its unique architecture and peaceful location by Lagoa das Furnas.
Who designed the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias?
French architect André Breton designed the chapel and the basalt stonework. Local masons, led by Master António de Sousa Redemoinho, supervised the construction.
When was the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel officially inaugurated?
The Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias was officially inaugurated on August 15, 1888, 12 years after José do Canto’s death. The chapel was built as a promise he made for his wife’s recovery.
What can visitors see inside the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel?
Visitors can admire a beautiful jasper image on the high altar and the tombs of José do Canto and his wife, Maria Guilhermina. The chapel’s stained-glass windows depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Conclusion
The Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias is one of the Azorean archipelago’s most emblematic and imposing monuments. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the beautiful island of São Miguel.
Surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel sits in the Mata-Jardim José do Canto. Here, you can enjoy leisure time with your family and friends surrounded by nature and the uniqueness of the hermitage, the cottage, and the French-Swiss chalet.
Explore Furnas town and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, delicious gastronomy, and rejuvenating thermal springs, which promote health and wellness.
