Overview:

The Church of Santo António - Lubango in Angola is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Lubango municipality of the province of Huíla in Angola. It is an outstanding example of late colonial neo-Romanesque architecture with its massive structure of pink granite, huge round arches and spire rising up majestically from the center of the city. It was originally built in 1916 but due to unrest in the region, it has been reconstructed on numerous occasions before completion in 1966. The church is a principal meeting place for thousands of faithful from the surrounding area and serves as the Episcopal seat for the Bishop of Huíla. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

, one of the most prominent architectural features is the Church of Santo António, located in Lubango. It was built in the 18th century and is a testament to colonial influence in both its Portuguese architecture style and its use of imported materials such as white wood and red stone. The church features a magnificent baroque bell tower, a striking two-level facade, and a large central dome which dominates the skyline. Inside, the church is equally impressive with its intricate frescoes, ornate carvings and marble flooring. It has been designated a National Monument and is a popular tourist destination. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of Santo António in Lubango, Angola was first constructed in 1912. Built in the classical Portuguese Baroque style, the stones used to construct the original church were shipped from Portugal. It was built to house the tomb of the Blessed Antonio da Silva, a priest originally from Mozambique who was killed in Lubango in 1759. In 1912, a priest of the church, Father Rosendo, donated his personal wealth to build the church. Additionally, priests from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary donated to the project. Today, the church is affiliated with the Order of Friars Minor, which took control of the church and restored it in the 1940s. The church is considered an example of colonial-era architecture in Angola. The complex includes historic features from the colonial era, such as the bell tower, the garden, and the cloister, as well as more modern features such as stained glass windows and a baptismal font. The church has undergone several renovations since it was constructed in 1912, including in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1980s. The Church of Santo António is one of the most important religious sites in Angola and is visited by pilgrims every year. It is considered to be a symbol of faith and hope for the people of Angola and those around the world. Sources # Angola Ministry of Culture. (2020). The Church of [Portuguese] Santo António, Lubango. Retrieved from http://www.cultura.gov.ao/pt/igreja-de-santo-antonio-de-lubango # Congo, H. (2017, December 23). Lucky Lubango. Africa Geographic. Retrieved from https://africageographic.com/blog/lucky-lubango/ # Silva, C. (2017, June 15). Church of Santo António (Lubango). Rumo a Angola. Retrieved from https://www.rumoaangola.org/2017/06/igreja-de-santo-antonio-lubango.html # Tanghetti, M.A. (1991). Church of St. Anthony, Lubango. International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage, 2(1), 5-14. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ449621.pdf Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Santo António - Lubango is the oldest Catholic church in the Province of Huíla, located in Angola. 2. Its construction dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have been founded by Portuguese settlers and Angolan traders. 3. It is renowned for its unique style of architecture, blending elements of colonial baroque and Moorish architecture. 4. The building has a plethora of domed towers and spires, as well as two bell towers. 5. An interesting fact about the Church of Santo António - Lubango is that it has undergone significant restoration works since 1997, in order to maintain its beautiful exterior. 6. Inside the church, there is a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a collection of unique art pieces; some of which date back to the 18th century. 7. The Church of Santo António - Lubango is a popular tourist destination and its grounds are often used for religious events, such as weddings and baptisms. 8. The church is believed to be a symbol of both faith and unity in Angola, and many locals consider it to be an important part of their country's history and heritage. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era