Church of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres: the Image the Sea Brought to Corvo

Some religious images are commissioned by kings and bishops. Others, according to tradition, were delivered by the sea itself. Corvo’s patron saint belongs to the second category — and her story spans pirates, fires, and nearly four and a half centuries of devotion.

An image found on the shore

Local tradition holds that the small image of Our Lady, of Flemish origin and dating to the 16th century, was found on the island’s coast inside a wooden box, by men searching for materials washed ashore by the sea. The find also revealed an inscription requesting a chapel be built where the image had emerged.

From Our Lady of the Rosary to Our Lady of Miracles

The first chapel built on the island, by the sea, was dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary). It was destroyed during a Barbary pirate attack on the island in 1632. It’s from this episode — attributed to the image’s miraculous intervention in protecting the population — that the patron saint came to be known as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres (Our Lady of Miracles).

Rebuilt in 1795

The current building, 26 by 7 metres, dates to a 1795 reconstruction. Inside, the main altarpiece, in polychrome gilded woodwork, holds at its centre a tribune with a throne, and the patron saint’s image displays a crown and rosary in gold, along with richly embroidered silk robes.

A fire that spared the image

In 1932, a violent fire destroyed much of the church’s valuable furnishings — but once again, the image of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres was rescued from the flames. The church was rebuilt shortly after and is now recognised as protected heritage.

An Indo-Portuguese ivory crucifix

Besides the main image, the church holds an Indo-Portuguese ivory crucifix from the 17th century, and a wooden image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição — a small but rich collection of sacred art for an island with just over 400 residents.

Planning your visit

• Location: centre of Vila do Corvo.
• What to see: the main altarpiece, the patron saint’s image, and the Indo-Portuguese ivory crucifix.
• Best time: 15 August, Feast of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, with processions and the Windmill Festival.

Nearby highlights

The Holy Spirit Império of Vila do Corvo, on Largo do Outeiro, founded in 1871, is just steps away.

After the church, walk through Vila do Corvo’s canadas to see more of the religious and civil heritage this small island community has preserved for centuries.

Learn more about popular festivals in the Azores.