Overview:

is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Luanda, Angola. The church was built in 1576 by Spanish missionaries to serve as a place of worship and spiritual guidance for the local Angolan community. The worship services include Mass, baptism and marriages. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is considered an important Catholic monument in the city and serves as the spiritual center of the Catholic faith in Angola and the African continent. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. Neo-Gothic style architecture: The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary was built in a neo-Gothic style architecture, featuring tall pointed spires, transepts, and flying buttresses on its exterior. It is one of the few remaining examples of this type of architecture in the country. 2. Historical importance: The church dates back to the late 19th century and is the oldest building in the city. It was declared a national monument in 1972 and has been restored multiple times since then. 3. Large interior space: The church measures 95 meters in length and has a capacity of up to 3,500 people. The nave is 23 meters wide and 33 meters high, allowing for an impressive view of its stained glass windows. 4. Unique elements: The church contains two main pulpits, constructed from local coral stone and wood, as well as cast iron hardware and four columns with Corinthian capitals. Its stained glass windows are unique, featuring depictions of the Virgin Mary as the main theme. 5. Rich history: The church served as a site for important events in the history of Angola. It was where the first president of the country, Agostinho Neto, delivered a speech in 1973. The church also served as a source of comfort for locals during the country's civil war. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, located in Luanda, Angola, is a Catholic church that was constructed in the mid-18th century. It is the oldest church in Luanda and has been a symbol of faith and architectural grandeur since its completion. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary dates back to 1758 when the first stone was laid on the 18th of August for the start of its construction. The Church was built in large part due to the financial assistance of various wealthy merchant families from Portugal and Brazil. The contributions made were in such an amount that it helped the Church become a landmark in the city of Luanda. The Church was the first structure to use baroque architectural elements. The Church was finished in 1765 and was decorated with tilework of Andalusian and Moorish styles. The Church has since been a place of worship for the Catholic community in Luanda, but has also been a place of great historical importance. In 1975, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary held the first mass after Angola gained independence on the 11th of November. From 1975 onward it has been the official church of the Catholic Church in Angola. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary continues to be a place of faith and worship in the city of Luanda. Thousands of people come to visit the Church each year, taking part in its rich history and traditional ceremonies. This Church will continue to be a symbol of Angola and will continue to be an integral part of the life of the people of Luanda. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is a Roman Catholic Church located in Luanda, Angola. 2. The first church building of the church was destroyed by the Portuguese during the civil war in 1975 and a new structure was completed in 1975. 3. The church is the largest church in Angola and the second-largest in all of Africa. 4. The church was designed and built by a Belgian architect and construction of the building began in 1971. 5. The church has two bell towers, one containing twelve bells which can be seen from steps away, and the other with six bells. 6. The church is the home of the Angola Pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Rosary, an annual event which is attended by thousands of faithful from around the world, and which was canonized by Pope John Paul ll in 1982. 7. Inside the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, there is a large basilica, a small chapel and various open-air terraces from where you can admire the beautiful views of the city of Luanda. 8. The church also houses a library with an extensive collection of books on Catholic theology and history. 9. Pope Francis visited the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in 2015 during his first visit to Angola. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era