Church of the Jesuit College and Carlos Machado Museum, Ponta Delgada

The Church of the Jesuit College, nestled within Ponta Delgada's historic heart, is an architectural gem classified as a Property of Public Interest. Since 2004, the Church has undergone a remarkable transformation, serving as the sacred art nucleus of the Carlos Machado Museum. Among its prized possessions is the painting "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Vasco Pereira Lusitano (1535-1609), a masterpiece that's become a focal point of admiration within the museum.

The foundation stone for the original church was laid on All Saints Day in 1592, a momentous occasion graced by the presence of Governor Gonçalo Vaz Coutinho. It marked the initiation of the adjacent convent, which sheltered 10 to 16 Jesuit scholars dedicated to educational pursuits.

Substantial renovations in the 17th century transformed the church, imprinting it with its current facades and altarpieces. During this time, iconic figures like Father António Vieira delivered profound sermons within its walls. However, the expulsion of the Jesuit Company resulted in the dispersal of the church's valuable contents, although it was within the College's library that historical treasures, including the Gaspar Frutuoso collection with the manuscript of Saudades da Terra, were rediscovered. This church stands as a repository of the region's rich cultural and religious heritage, evoking an air of reverence and historical significance.