Overview:

Nossa Senhora das Dores - Lubango is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Lubango in Angola. It was built around the late 19th century, and is one of the most well known churches in the region. The site of the church was chosen because of its elevated location, with access via winding flights of steps from the city below, allowing it to be used as a defensive point in the event of attack. The church is renowned for its interiors, which are ornamented with symbolism from Angolan religious tradition, as well as its architecture, which is a blend of local, Portuguese, and African styles. The church hosts weekly masses as well as several religious holidays throughout the year. It is also home to a large collection of relics, including a holy relic of Our Lady of Sacré-Coeur. Nossa Senhora das Dores - Lubango is one of the most important Roman Catholic churches in Angola and serves as an important religious center for the people of the region. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores in Lubango is the main cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lubango and is one of the major landmarks in the city. The striking two-towered Neo-Gothic structure was built in the early 20th century and is notable for its impressive architecture which combines Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque elements. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Angola and is a popular tourist destination. The church has a large altar and a 12-metre high dome covered in red terracotta, and it also houses a magnificent organ, stained glass windows, and intricately carved stone and woodwork. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores ("Our Lady of Sorrows") in Lubango, Angola is a Roman Catholic religious institution founded in 1921 by the Franciscan missionary Bernardo de Azevedo. The church was initially located in what is now considered the historic center of the city. After the relocation of the city's government center in the 1950s, it relocated to Rua da Estação—the Station Street—in the Santa Barbara district. The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores is noted for its distinct architecture, as the structure is made from local material such as wood, clay, and grass. The church is renowned for its statuary and its interior decoration, which contains several paintings and symbols of the Virgin Mary. The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores has been a site of important religious events throughout its history. In 1991, it served as the location of a celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bishop Manuel Quitério's consecration. That same year, it was the site of the ordination of the first female deacon in Angola. It is also the destination of a annual pilgrimage every September commemorating the death of the Virgin Mary. Currently, the Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores continues to serve as a place of worship and spiritual guidance for the people of Lubango. The Church has grown in recent years. Construction of a secondary building was completed in March 2012. That summer, the Church opened two new mission stations for the neighbouring villages. The construction of a family center has also been proposed to better serve the local population. It is estimated that around 12000 people attend the Church services regularly throughout the week. The Church remains a symbol of the religious heritage of the city and a reminder of the power of faith in the face of adversity. The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores of Lubango is an important part of the religious history of Angola. Its story is a testament to the resilience and faith of the people of Angola. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores is the oldest church in Lubango, Angola. It was built in the 17th century and is located in the historic city centre. 2. The Church is a baroque-style church with ornate detailing on the exterior façade, including stylized putti, ornate window frames, and a large and elaborate central tower. 3. The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, due to its unique and significant artwork and architecture. 4. Inside the church lies a beautiful altar that is adorned with gold decoration and a grand pipe organ that was built in the 19th century. 5. The Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores was the site of an important battle during the Angolan struggle for independence. 6. Each year on August 15th, the Church hosts one of the biggest religious festivals in the country, which is attended by worshippers from all over Angola. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era