São Jorge Mother Church

Located in the parish of São Jorge, municipality of Santana, lies the largest baroque style church in the entire Autonomous Region of Madeira. The São Jorge Mother Church is therefore a point of interest not to be missed when visiting the north coast of the island.

Built in the 17th century, this religious monument is considered a symbol of the built heritage of the municipality of Santana. The peculiarity of the São Jorge Mother Church is revealed, right from the start, in the main façade, which faces north and whose fenestration is unusual in the context of regional typology. The portal is topped by three apron windows and, in the tympanum, another window appears flanked by pilasters supporting the straight cornice.

The longitudinal plan of the building is composed of a single nave and a chancel, lower and narrower, with a quadrangular bell tower. At the top of the nave, the presbytery is marked by a web of balusters, in rosewood, which form a curve on the sides. You can also admire the altarpieces in Joanine gilded woodcarving and the paintings on canvas.
There are plenty of reasons to come and quietly contemplate the architectural beauty of the São Jorge Mother Church, one of the most important monuments of Madeira's religious heritage.