Mother of God Church

São Tomé, São Tomé Island, São Tomé e Príncipe

Religious Architecture

This church, located in the vicinity of the city of São Tomé (on the southwest-bound road), has an unusual façade with elements along classical lines and with sculptural pieces in stone. It was built in the 16th century. Although it is on the whole a simple work, it is notable for the delicate portal in white stone, with a triangular pediment over an architrave with two Corinthian columns and featuring two figurative medallions. The nave has elements with tiled surfaces. It was restored between 1961 and 1969, within the ambit of an official “mission”, by the architect Luís Benavente (1902-1993), expert of the General Diectorate of Buildings and National Monuments appointed by the Ministry of the Overseas Provinces.

• José Manuel Fernandes