Angra do Heroísmo, Açores, Portugal — Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula)
Igreja da Misericórdia
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Church of Misericórdia
Photographed by Shaw Zavoshy, October 7, 2025
1. Igreja da Misericórdia / Church of Misericórdia Marker
Igreja da Misericórdia
Neste lugar, os membros da Confraria do Santo Espírito, entre eles João Vaz Corte Real, navegador nos mares da Terra-Nova, fundaram, em 15 de março de 1492, funcionando junto ao cais da cidade, o primeiro hospital dos Açores.
Instituida em 1498, a Santa Casa da Misericórdia associou-se à confraria já existente, absorvendo o hospital e criando uma parceria, nem sempre fácil, entre quem tinha consciência do trabalho feito e quem sabia dispor de apoio régio.
Church of Misericórdia
"The Church of Mercy"
On March 15th, 1492, members of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit, including João Vaz Corte Real, the navigator of Newfoundland's seas, founded the first hospital of the Azores.
Established in 1498, Santa Casa da Misericórdia joined with the existing Brotherhood of The Holy Spirit, and together they shared responsibility for managing the hospital. This created a, not always easy, partnership between those who had constructed the hospital and those who had the important royal support.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is March 15, 1492.
Location. 38° 39.244′ N, 27° 13.102′ W. Marker is in Angra do Heroísmo, Açores. It is at the intersection of Rúa Direita and Rua de Santo Espirito, on the left when traveling south on Rúa Direita. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Rua de Santo Espirito 8, Angra do Heroísmo, Açores 9700, Portugal. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Schengen Area, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Portuguese colonies and also the Roman
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within walking distance of this marker: Estaleiro Naval / Shipyard (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line).
Also see . . . Igreja da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo (Visit Portugal). Excerpt:
The Church of Misericórdia in Angra do Heroísmo is an important 18th-century construction, built on the site of a former 15th century church dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was attached to the first hospital in the city.(Submitted on October 9, 2025.)
The church has a high, narrow, robust façade, with an arch topped by the Royal coat of arms. The interior includes the altars of the Holy Spirit and of Santo Cristo das Misericórdias, carved woodwork, statues and canvases representing the descent of the Holy Spirit to the Virgin and the Apostles. It is also worth noting the 18th-century azulejo-tile panels that feature historical scenes.
Photographed by Shaw Zavoshy, October 7, 2025
2. Igreja da Misericórdia / Church of Misericórdia and Marker
The marker is visible here on the left corner of the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
