Overview:

is a catholic church located in the city of Benguela in Angola. The church was built in 1924 and is noted for its unique colonial-style edifice. The impressive building has two bell towers and an elaborate lattice work. Inside, the church has elaborate decoration with images of the Virgin Mary, among other religious symbols. The church is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

central region of Benguela, Catholics find a special place of worship at Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. This magnificent building is declared a National Monument and features a graceful and imposing architecture that reflects the Portuguese colonial roots of this historic city. The church was built in 1886 and designed by the Portuguese architect, José Correia Rêgo. It has a spectacular ensemble of brick masonry with an impressive dome at the top featuring a Latin cross. The structure is about 20 meters tall and its walls are coated in white paint. Inside, visitors can view the original furnishings including five silver-plated altars with Baroque influences, as well as a variety of paintings, wood ornaments and radiant stained glass windows. Near the church, one can find the ruins of the old fort of Benguela and the grand staircase that connects this impressive stone-work to the amazing views of the sea. Furthermore, it is surrounded by a vibrant boulevard of restaurants, cafés and shops that make Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (also known as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição) is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Benguela, Angola. It was built in 1780 by the Portuguese colonialists. For many years, the church was the main religious hub of the city. It was home to the Diocese of Benguela, which was established in 1786. The church was a central point of prayer and celebration for the city’s inhabitants. It was also a venue for many official religious ceremonies such as baptisms, holy masses, and confirmations. The church was built in a neoclassical architectural style, and features a large and ornate façade. The intricate ceiling, which was painted in azure blue, was decorated with gilded geometric motifs. The building is also complemented by a large altar and a beautiful Baroque bell tower. The church was severely damaged during Angola's civil war (1975-2002). In the late 1990s, the church’s facade was partially destroyed, and the main building underwent extensive renovations. Despite the damage, the church was still operational and remained a place of spiritual refuge for its worshipers. Today, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is one of the most prominent religious sites in Benguela. The church has been restored to its former glory and continues to be an important center of spiritual life in the city. In recent years, the church has been modernized to keep up with the changing times. Despite the modernization, the church still retains its traditional charm and spiritual significance. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Benguela, Angola was built in 1645 by the Augustinians. 2. It is the oldest church in the region and one of the longest standing Portuguese-style churches on the African continent. 3. It was built on the remains of an old slave trading post known as “Angola dos Negros”. 4. It was the site of some of the most important battle scenes between local tribes and the Portuguese in 1580. 5. The roof of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição was made of unique Portuguese clay tiles; these are some of the earliest examples of this type of roofing found in Angola. 6. The main entrance to the Church is decorated with a 16th-century “lança” (a spear-like weapon used by local tribes). 7. The church contains many old religious artifacts, including several statues, fonts, and an 18th-century organ. 8. The main altar of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição was decorated in 1776 with an impressive Baroque-style altarpiece. 9. Inside the Church, visitors can find a unique, antique-filled sacristy as well as a library filled with some very old books. 10. Despite its importance and many unique features, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição still stands in a decaying state due to a lack of maintenance. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era