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THE COLLEGE CHURCH
The São João Evangelista’s Church, commonly known as Colégio´s Church, was built in the beginning of the XVIIth century by the Jesuits. The works began in 1629 with the launching and blessing of the first stone, and ended, in the first half of the XVIIIth century, due to the magnificent and richness of the ornamental programme. In the last phase, the baroque compositions gain importance, substituting mannerist productions, that were extended to woodcarving, tiles and nave ceiling paintings, awakening the Christians to a glorious atmosphere and artistic elevation, corresponding in its essence to the churches post tridentine ideals. The sacristy also of Jesuitical characteristics carries the artistic exuberance of the church, being one of the most notable examples on the island. It is covered by a cruciform vault and segmental arches painted with grotesques. The walls are decorated with inlaid marble cupboards cut out with figurative tiles and with a woodcarving great chest that includes paintings of the XVIIth and beginning of the XVIIIth century, suggestive to the main saints of the congregation. |
