Isn’t it remarkable? Igreja de São Roque stands as a testament to Paquetá Island’s glorious past. This historic church whispers tales of a time when the island was a haven for the court.
Igreja de São Roque, a beacon on São Roque Square attracts artists thinkers and lovers. Its story began long ago in 1695. The original Igreja de São Roque stood where it does today. Over the years it underwent several transformations. The Igreja de São Roque you see now is the result of its last reconstruction in 1905. Its design evokes the Roman style.
In 1907 Father Manuel António Espinha secured approval from the Lisbon Court to establish a church on the island dedicated to São Roque. Inácio de Bulhões a Portuguese man who arrived with Estácio de Sá, was the first owner of land on the island’s north side. He transformed it into a farm. He is credited with building the original Igreja de São Roque.
The early history of Igreja de São Roque remains somewhat veiled until 1728. That year Bishop António de Guadalupe granted permission for a baptismal font and the administration of last rites. This was crucial because the church was far from the Matriz de Magé on the mainland. In 1833 Paquetá Island was separated from the Parish of Magé and integrated into the municipality of the Court by imperial decree.
The original chapel within Igreja de São Roque was simple. It featured a single altar dedicated to its patron saint. The space was divided into three sections. The first was the chancel with the altar. The second was the nave for landowners and guests. The third a tiled area near the entrance separated by a gate was for enslaved people.
In 1848 Captain José Joaquim Pinto Serqueira the owner of the chapel died. His son Pedro José Pinto Serqueira inherited it. He undertook significant renovations. A humanitarian he removed the barrier separating the enslaved people. He floored the entire nave. He added two side altars. One held a magnificent image of Our Lady of Sorrows from Portugal. The other honored Saint Sebastian.
Pedro José died in 1876. Adelaide Adelina Serqueira de Alambary Luz then took possession of the chapel. She died in 1897. Years later her husband José Carlos d’Alambary Luz and their children transferred ownership of the Igreja de São Roque to the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro Dom Joaquim Arcoverde.
The chapel fell into disrepair. It was demolished to make way for a new Igreja de São Roque. Construction began in 1910. Father Pouton entrusted the project to architect Miguel Bruno. Bruno sought to preserve the original design incorporating Ionic elements. The new Igreja de São Roque was completed in 1911.
The feasts of São Roque traditionally held on August 16th in Paquetá were once very important. They attracted people from neighboring towns. Even King Dom João VI and his courtiers attended. The king stayed at the home of militia officer Francisco Gonçalves da Fonseca on Rua dos Muros. He spent days there away from court intrigues. Dom Pedro I José Bonifácio and Evaristo da Veiga also attended the saint’s festivals.
Notably the old chapel of Igreja de São Roque played a role during the Armada revolt in 1893. It received the bodies of sailors and officers wounded and killed in the political conflict. Paquetá served as a base for rebels led by Admiral Custódio José de Melo against the government of Marshal Floriano Peixoto.
Igreja de São Roque is not a matriz church. However it is an important historic church in the city. It is linked to the Parish of Senhor Bom Jesus do Monte. As you stand here before Igreja de São Roque remember the stories it holds. It is a place of love faith and history on the enchanting Ilha dos Amores.