Overview:

Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda - Benguela In Angola is a Catholic church located in central Angola. It was built by Portuguese in the early 20th century. The church is significant for the spread of Catholicism in Angolan society. It is the second largest Catholic Church in Angola and has been declared a national monument. The church is noted for its detailed carvings and its Baroque style of architecture. It is also considered a cultural symbol for the Benguela region of Angola. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. A celebrated example of Portuguese colonial-style architecture, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is one of the most famous churches in the Benguela province of Angola. 2. Built in the early 18th century, this beautiful church is located on the banks of the Limpopo River in the town of Cubal. 3. The structure of the church features two long two-storey buildings which are connected by a wall which extends to the main entrance at one end. 4. The main entrance of the church is framed by two four-sided columns, underpinned by two white stone steps. 5. The interior of the church contains many beautiful features including intricately painted and figured wooden tiles. 6. It also features elaborately hand embroidered and coloured hangings and vestments, wooden chairs and stools, and grand figures of saints as centrepieces of devotional activity. 7. The highlight of the church is the presence of a statue of the Virgin Mary in the centre of a bower of flowers above the altar. 8. Alongside the statue is a Bembe altar which is used during local festivals. 9. It is a frequent destination for pilgrimages and other sightseeing tours. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda in Benguela, Angola was established in the 18th century, however records of its exact date of origin are unclear. It is believed to have been built in 1750. It is known that the Church was originally built as a chapel for the Franciscan mission of São Francisco de Benguela. The Church was completed in 1792 and remains an important religious and historical site in the city of Benguela. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is known for its architecture, which is a blend of Portuguese Baroque and Rococo styles. The exterior is characterized by painted wooden doors, a large bell tower, and a marble facade with intricately carved designs. The interior features a gilded alter and Italian-style altar piece, as well as several religious frescos. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is a popular destination for both religious and secular visitors. The Church hosts a variety of services and activities, including Sunday mass and ceremonies during major religious holidays. It is also home to a number of art exhibitions, musical performances, and conferences. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is one of the few remaining structures in Benguela that was in existence prior to Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975. It is an important symbol of the city's colonial heritage and religious faith, and continues to be a vibrant place of gathering and celebration. In recent years, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda has undergone extensive renovations, in part to restore its original beauty and in part to provide structural support in light of the many natural disasters in the area. In 2010, the Church was awarded the Annual Restoration Prize for its conservation efforts, becoming the first non-governmental organization to be honored in this way. Today, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is a cherished symbol of faith in the Benguela community, and continues to serve as a reminder of its shared history and culture. Sources https://www.benguelalist.com/listas-existentes/templos-da-f%C3%A9-em-benguela/ https://erauregia.blogspot.com/2014/08/igreja-de-nossa-senhora-da-peneda-benguela.html https://www.angola-mz.net/IGREJA-NOSSA-SENHORA-DA-PENEDA-BENGUELA,3090.html Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is the Oldest Catholic Church in Benguela, Angola. 2. The Church was built in 1576 by the Portuguese missionary Francisco Javez de Faria. 3. It was designed in a simple rectangular shape with walls of palm trees and mud. 4. Inside the Church are various images of the Virgin Mary as well as a beautiful altar with statues of the Archangel Michael and the Holy angels. 5. It is one of the most important ecclesiastical sites in Benguela and is part of the historical monuments and ruins in the Benguela Province. 6. The sculptures and paintings depicting the cultures and religions of the region have become symbols of Benguela’s past. 7. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to see a historic church in the region. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era