Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Porto Santo, Madeira
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Vila Baleira on Porto Santo is a lovely, historic church packed with artistic riches. The white-washed, simple church is close to the Casa Museu de Cristóvão Colombo in the main square.
History
The church dates originally from the late 15th century. However, it was badly damaged and plundered by French pirates during a raid in 1566. The church was completely rebuilt from 1667 onwards.
Architecture
Consisting of two rectangular forms (the nave and chancel), the church is of simple design. The single bell tower is topped by a weathervane.
The interior has a wooden roof and still has remnants of the original 15th century construction, namely the Capela da Morgada. There is a high choir, pulpit, and several facing side chapels.
There are also paintings by Martim Conrado and the German artist Max Wilhelm Römer (1878-1960), who lived the latter part of his life on Madeira.
In addition there are several, large panels of azulejos (Portuguese tiles) that decorate both the interior and exterior of the church.
Access & Hours
Largo do Pelourinho, Rua Manuel Gregório Pestana
Vila Baleira, Porto Santo, Madeira.
Other interesting churches on Madeira are Funchal Cathedral, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Church of Our Lady of Monte), Capela do Corpo Santo, Santa Clara, the Igreja Inglesa and the Santa Catarina Chapel.
Accommodation in Porto Santo
Porto Santo and Madeira offer a range of accommodation options from five-star, luxury hotels and resorts to more homely and economical residencial and guesthouses. See some recommendations of places to stay below.
Try the recommended Hotel Porto Santo & Spa close to Paraíso Dourado, the Hotel Praia Dourada, the 4-star Vila Baleira Resort, with outdoor swimming pool, sauna and spa and the 4-star Hotel Torre Praia near the ocean. Also close to Paraíso Dourado is the Porto Santo My Love apartments.
See a full listing of hotels on Porto Santo, hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
