Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento

Curral das Freiras is a unique place on the island of Madeira thanks to its geographical features — it lies in a valley sheltered by mountain peaks —, but there is more. The History and culture of this parish mark it in an unavoidable way. One of the most relevant testimonies of these dimensions is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, the only historical heritage in this town.

This religious temple was built in the early 19th century. Before that, Curral das Freiras had a chapel since the mid-17th century. Due to its growing population and the distance from the parish of Santo António, the locals eventually got their wish of having an independent parish.

Thus, the parish of Curral das Freiras was created on 17 March 1790 by a charter of Queen Maria I. The dilapidated Santo António chapel did not have the proper conditions to serve as the seat of the parish, a fact that led to the construction of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento.

The temple underwent major construction works in the early 20th century, when the high altar and side altars in honour of Our Lady of Livramento and the Sacred Heart of Jesus were built.