Igreja do Colégio, Funchal, Madeira
The Igreja do Colégio (Igreja de São João Evangelista) in Funchal owes it opulent Baroque interior to the wealth of the Jesuits from their wine estates on the island of Madeira.
The 17th-century church is noted for its extravagant, gilded woodwork, fine blue and white azulejos tiles and altarpieces.
History
The church was originally built in the late 1500s as part of a Jesuit college that was founded in Funchal. The Jesuits were a Catholic religious order that was known for its educational and missionary work throughout the world. The college was established to educate the local population and to spread the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
The original church was a simple structure, but it was expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. In the 18th century, the church was extensively remodeled in the Baroque style, with ornate decorations and elaborate altarpieces. The church's interior is filled with intricate carvings, gold leaf accents, and colorful paintings that reflect the Baroque style.
The Igreja do Colégio also played an important role in the history of Madeira. In the 19th century, the church was used as a venue for political rallies and public meetings, and it became a symbol of resistance against the Portuguese monarchy. During this time, the church was also a gathering place for local intellectuals and artists, who would meet to discuss politics, literature, and the arts.
Today, the Igreja do Colégio is a popular tourist attraction in Funchal. Visitors can admire the church's ornate decorations and learn about its rich history. The church is also an active place of worship, with regular Masses and religious services held throughout the year.
Festival
The main festival of the church is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola. St. Ignatius Loyola was the founder of the Society of Jesus, the Catholic religious order to which the Jesuits belong.
The Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola is celebrated on July 31st each year, and it is a major event in Funchal's religious calendar. The festival typically includes a solemn Mass, a procession through the streets of the city, and a variety of cultural and social events.
During the festival, the church's interior is decorated with flowers, candles, and other decorations.
The procession is one of the highlights of the festival, and it attracts thousands of participants and spectators. The procession typically includes members of the local clergy, religious orders, and laypeople, who carry banners, crosses, and other symbols of the Catholic faith. The procession winds through the streets of Funchal, stopping at various points to pray and offer blessings.
After the procession, the festival continues with cultural and social events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and traditional dances. These events provide an opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate their faith and culture.
Architecture
The architecture of Igreja do Colégio is a blend of several styles, reflecting the church's rich history and the changing tastes of its builders and patrons over the centuries. Despite these different styles, the church has a cohesive and harmonious appearance that is a testament to the skill of its architects and builders.
In the 18th century, the church was extensively remodeled in the Baroque style, which was popular at the time. The Baroque style is characterized by ornate decorations, elaborate altarpieces, and dramatic use of light and shadow. The interior of Igreja do Colégio reflects this style with its intricate carvings, gold leaf accents, and colorful paintings.
One of the most striking features of the church is its façade, which was added in the 19th century in the Neoclassical style. The façade features a pediment with a relief sculpture of the Holy Family, flanked by two Ionic columns. The Neoclassical style is characterized by its symmetry, simplicity, and use of classical elements like columns and pediments.
The church also has a bell tower that was added in the 20th century.
Access & Hours
Igreja de São João Evangelista
Largo do Colégio, 9000-000
Funchal, Portugal
Tel: 291 233 534
Hours: Monday to Friday: from 10 am to 4 pm.
Mass times are: Weekdays: 5 pm.
Saturday: 5 pm.
Sunday: 10 am, 12 pm, 7.30 pmand 9 pm.
Other interesting churches in Funchal are 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.
Hotels in Funchal
Top end hotels on Madeira include the LTI Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel, with spa, steam baths, saunas and indoor pool, and the long-establised Reid's Palace Hotel Madeira.
The Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino, overlooking the Bay of Funchal, the Pestana CR7 Funchal above the Museu CR7 and The Cliff Bay - PortoBay boasting indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 2-Michelin star restaurant and free Wi-Fi are also superb.
Budget options in Funchal include the 3 star Hotel Monte Carlo, the Hotel Catedral, also 3 star with air-conditioned rooms and terrace and the excellent, value for money Hotel Madeira.
Other options include the Hotel Quinta Bela S.Tiago or the budget Pensao Residencial Mirasol.
If you wish to stay in the Monte area of Funchal try the Quinta do Monte.
See a full listing of hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
