Overview:

The Church of Santa Cruz - Huíla In Angola is a Catholic church located in Huíla province, Angola. The church was built in 1746 and is part of the diocese of Lubango. The church is dedicated to Santa Cruz, the patron saint of the region. The church has a large courtyard, where pilgrims can pray and worship. Its interior is decorated with beautiful 16th century azulejos and its exterior has a beautiful façade. The church is also home to a large bell tower. The church is dedicated to faith, education and social activities. It is a symbol of the importance of religious life in Angola. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

The Church of Santa Cruz in Huíla, Angola is a prominent historical site in the region. Built in the 19th century by colonial Portuguese settlers, the church is considered an example of the Methodist style of architecture from the period. Its unique style features colonial elements fused with local architecture, creating a striking result. The church is an important symbol of the relationship between Portugal and Angola, as it exemplifies the merging of the two cultures. The church also houses a museum dedicated to the history of the area. Today, it stands as a prominent reminder of Angola’s rich cultural and architectural history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

Santa Cruz Church in Huíla, in Southern Angola, traces its history back to the 16th century. It is a symbol of the colonial presence in Angola during this period and is one of the oldest surviving churches in the country. Clergymen of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) were instrumental in the building and maintenance of the Church. It is commonly believed that in 1590 the father and spiritual leader of the Jesuit mission in Angola, Pablo de Palmeiro, built the Church to serve his own spiritual needs and that of the Ngola (King of Angola) land worshipers and the local population. Records in the Archivo General de Indias show that the construction of the Church began in 1593 and was completed in 1598. During this period, the Church bell and 'Terceira Ordem de São Francisco' a Franciscan church located near the Church, were built. The Church was originally known as Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição de São Nicodemos or simply Santa Cruz. It was situated in Luanda (modern-day capital of Angola) and was the focal point of Catholic missionary activities in the country. The Church was constructed of rock and soil, but suffered significantly during the expulsion of Portuguese forces in 1975 from Angola. Over the succeeding decades, the Church has received support from religious and civic organizations in the rebuilding process. The main architectural style practiced in the building of the Church was a combination between Portuguese Baroque and a Vernacular style. Outside the Church are four terraces that surround a water fountain, three on the east side and one on the north side in a semicircle pattern. The Catholic Church remains active in the area today and the Church of Santa Cruz continues to be a place of pilgrimage for many. The Church was appointed a National Monument in 1959. Source: National Monument (Angola) Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Santa Cruz is located in Angola’s Huíla Province and is one of the few remaining examples of Angolan Baroque architecture. 2. The church is the only baroque construction in the country and is the only work of Jesuit masters in Angola. 3. It was built in 1731 by the Jesuit missionaries, Manuel Botelho de Morais and Diogo de Mesquita Pina, and is dedicated to the Holy Cross. 4. It is the only Latin Church in the region and is constructed in a fusion of Baroque, Rococo and Neo-classical styles. 5. It is one of four Baroque monuments registered with UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in Angola and in 1983, the Church of Santa Cruz was declared a National Monument. 6. The interior of the church features several sculptures and images that have been extremely well preserved. These include a magnificent gilded altar, a golden pulpit and a beautiful pipe organ. 7. The Church of Santa Cruz is a popular destination for pilgrims and is an important spiritual center for Angola. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era