| Ilhabela - Churches - Matriz Church |
There are many chapels in Ilhabela that deserve a visit because each of them
has a part that goes back to the brazilian colonization. Most of the chapels and churches of Ilhabela were declared cultural patrimony. In
this way, they are protected by law which prevents any type of changes in the original architecture of each one of them. Among the
most visited churches of Ilhabela is the the Nossa Senhora D'Ajuda Matrix which is considered to be one of the most beautiful historical
points of the city.
The church was built between 1697 and 1718, but it was only inaugurated almost
one century later, in 1803. The church is located near the Baepí Hill, in the center of Ilhabela. Surrounding it, there are many trees and a
lovely view of the mountains. The architecture has a colonial style and the internal and external areas are ample. High quality material was
used in the decoration and was done by professional artists.
The marble floor came from Spain, Minas Gerais and Santa Catarina, the ceiling
between the entrance and the altar was oil painted and reproduced Nossa Senhora D'Ajuda. The images of the saints São Paulo, São Pedro, São
Sebastião and São Benedito are exposed in the external part of the church, to decorate the long steps of the entrance. Dozens of tourists
visit the church daily. |