Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação da Ameixoeira

Can you picture a hermitage nestled amidst olive groves? That’s what stood here, at the site of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação da Ameixoeira, back in 1276. It was dedicated to Our Lady of Funchal, built where an image of Our Lady had appeared. Time marched on, and in 1536, a church replaced the humble hermitage. This new church, also dedicated to Our Lady, specifically Our Lady of The Incarnation, became the heart of the newly established parish. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação da Ameixoeira wasn’t immune to the tremors of history. The devastating earthquake of 1755 caused significant damage. The church we see today rose from the ruins, rebuilt in the elegant Baroque style. Step inside the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação da Ameixoeira, and let your eyes be drawn to the chancel. A gilded, wood-carved altarpiece from the 17th century commands attention. Above, the ceiling, painted in the elaborate brutesco style, features a central medallion depicting the Virgin Mary. Look closely, and you’ll discover paintings by Bento Coelho da Silveira and Pedro Alexandrino. Admire the 18th-century tile panels that narrate scenes from the Virgin Mary’s life. They offer a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the time. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação da Ameixoeira stands as a testament to faith and resilience, a place where history and art intertwine.