Overview:

:The Church of São José is an old church located in the city of Namibe, Angola. It is a national monument and has a very rich history. Built between 1878 and 1883, it is a beautiful combination of Romanesque and Renaissance styles. The building stands 75 feet in height and is crowned by two towers that are still intact. Inside, there are several frescos showing traditional local themes, most of which depict episodes of the Portuguese colonization of Angola. The Church is a symbol of the resilience of the people of Namibe in the face of adversity. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

- Located in the city of Namibe, Angola -18th century Portuguese baroque-style church - Composing of a central church, two towers, and a porch - Two story façade featuring a baroque “M combination” - The church houses some important relics from Portugal such as a copy of the gospels written by King D. João IV and a stone sculpted in 1761 - Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, as part of the Central Atlantic Slave Trade Routes Sites - Hosted different worship rituals over the years including Catholic Marian devotion and African traditional ancestral worship. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

São José Church in Namibe, Angola was established in 1896 by the Portuguese. The foundation of the church is related to a larger project undertaken by the mission service of the Government of Portugal, seeking to spread Christianity in Africa. In the 1930s, the Church was rebuilt and renovated. During this renovation, a Vicarage was added to the Church. This Vicarage was used as a temporary residence for the parish priest and his family. The civil war in Angola, which lasted from 1975-2002, caused great disruption to the area, including the Church. After a period of relative peace, a re-structuring process was undertaken to reconstruct the Church and the Vicarage. In 2008, a new Vicarage was built. The Vicarage currently serves as the primary residence of the parish priest and his family. The Church of São José continues to be a vibrant parish in Namibe. Despite the disruptions of war, parishioners come together for Mass and other Church activities, such as catechesis and retreats. The Church of São José is a respected spiritual center for the people of Namibe. The parish priest and his family are involved in the community, providing support, counseling and organizing activities to promote peace and understanding. The Church remains a symbol of faith and resilience for the people of Namibe and all of Angola. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of São José in Namibe, Angola was built in 1937 and is the first and oldest Catholic church in the city. 2. In 2006, the church was redecorated and restored to its original state. 3. The walls of the church were painted white and blue to represent the four elements of fire, water, earth, and air. 4. There is a statue of the patron saint of the church, Saint Joseph, in the center of the main altar. 5. The church has a large garden and bell tower that can be seen from many parts of the city. 6. The bell of the church is a symbol of the presence of the Lord in Namibe and can be heard from more than 5 kilometres away. 7. The church hosts many religious ceremonies including baptisms, weddings, and funerals. 8. Inside the church, there is a relic of the venerated heart of Saint Joseph which has been interred in its tomb since 2012. 9. The Church of São José is part of a charitable organization called the “Circle of Friends” that helps the poor of Namibe. 10. In 2013, Pope Francis visited the Church of São José and celebrated mass with the people of Namibe. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era