Overview:

Church of São Francisco - Benguela is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Benguela in Angola. The church is situated in the city centre and constructed in 1927. It is one of the major architectural attractions of Benguela and serves as a major pilgrimage site for Catholic believers across the city. The church is known for its striking white facade and unique blend of colonial and native art style. The church is open to public and there are regular masses for the public. The Franciscan Order of priests, also known as The Order of Friars Minor, administrates the church. The church also houses a museum and a library and is open to visitors from all faiths. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. Baroque architecture: Constructed in the Baroque style, the Church of São Francisco features two bell towers which rise up from each side of the front façade, as well as two balconies that project from the façade. 2. Fluted pilasters: A major feature of the Church of São Francisco is its ornate fluted pilasters, which flank the entrance and continu along the sides of the church. 3. Intricate details: The church also features intricate details, including stone sculptures of Angels near the windows and along the base of the façade, and decorative cartouche above the doorway. 4. White stucco: The entire structure is covered in white stucco, giving the Church of São Francisco a bright and fresh look. 5. Ogee arches: The windows of the church are framed in ogee arches, which add to the Baroque style of the building. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of São Francisco is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Benguela, Angola. The church is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, and it was built in the late 18th century. This church is known for its baroque architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The history of the Church of São Francisco dates back to 1785, when Dona Maria Antonia de Noronha Pinto, a widow of a Portuguese Officer in Angola, ordered the construction of the Church. The church was completed in 1790 and served as the main religious center for the local community. Throughout the years, the church has been remodeled and refurbished to keep up with its Baroque design. The Church of São Francisco stands as an important monument in Benguela, as it has seen many important events in the city’s history. In 1900, the church’s bell tower was demolished by an earthquake, and the church was renovated in the 1930s. During the Angolan civil war (1975-2002) the church was used as a refuge for civilians affected by the war. In 2005 the church was declared a National Monument of Angola, and further renovations were done in 2006. Today, the Church of São Francisco is still a religious and cultural landmark in Benguela and serves as a major tourist attraction for Angola. It stands as an important reminder of the city’s history and is a reminder of the resilience of the local community in the face of adversity. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of São Francisco in Benguela is the oldest Christian church in Angola, having been built in 1847. 2. The church was destroyed during the Civil War in Angola, but was subsequently rebuilt in 1995. 3. The church is a testament to the determination of the people of Benguela in the face of trials and tribulations. 4. The Church of São Francisco in Benguela is a national monument in Angola, and is the city's most important historical structure. 5. There are several notable objects in the church, such as a crucifix from 1734, a sculpture of Saint Francis from the 18th century, and an organ from 1875. 6. Inside the church is a crypt containing the bones of Bishop João Coelho Correia, who died in 1856. 7. The church is the main attraction for tourists in the city and is highly frequented on holidays. 8. The Church of São Francisco has even been featured in Hollywood films, as it was used in the 2012 movie Resident Evil: Retribution. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era