Ermida de Mãe de Deus, São Miguel, Azores
The Ermida de Mãe de Deus (Hermitage of the Mother of God) on São Miguel in the Azores is a small but beautiful church in Ponta Delgada.
History
The church is built over what was once the former Fort of Mãe de Deus in the 16th century. It lies on a small hill overlooking the sea near the University of the Azores.
This church was demolished in 1915 during World War I due to fears it might act as a marker for German U-boats. The azulejos tiles from the church were stored in the Museum of Ponta Delgada.
The citizens of the area decided to rebuild the church in the 1920s and after delays due to World War II it was finally completed in 1947.
Architecture
The Neo-Baroque church stands out for its beautiful white plaster facade and has a bell tower on its left side.
The exterior decoration includes finely-worked shell and spiral motifs.
Access & Hours
Ladeira da Mãe de Deus
9500-321 Ponta Delgada
Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 am - 6 pm.
Other interesting churches on São Miguel are the Igreja da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (Chapel of Our Lady of Victories) in Furnas on the lake and the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião in Ponta Delgada.
Hotels on São Miguel
Ponta Delgada has the largest concentration of hotels on São Miguel. Some places to choose from include The Lince Azores with outdoor pool, and the Hotel Casa do Jardim set within an English-style botanical garden in a Palladian building.
Close to the church on Rua da Mãe de Deus are City's Hostel Ponta Delgada and Casa Alecrim, a holiday home.
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