"Convento e Capela de Nossa Senhora de Esperança" Top 5 Page for this destination Ponta Delgada Things to Do Tip by mircaskirca

On the far northern part of Campo de São Francisco, parallel with the seafront, is the Convento e Capela de Nossa Senhora de Esperança (Our Lady of Hope), completed in 1541 and occupied by the nuns of the order of St Francis. This chapel's fame comes mainly from the cult of the image of Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Jesus Christ of the Miracles), whose statue is lavishly adorned with jewels.

The icon is believed to have miraculous power and a cult of adoration and devotion has been built around it. The gilded altar is truly remarkable and the 18th-century glazed tiles on the walls of the lower floor, by the Portuguese author Diogo Bernardes, are priceless. The icon itself is to the left as you enter.

Tours are available and the image may be seen between 5pm and 6:30pm every evening (and from July and through September from 11am to noon) by going to the side door of the convent. Once a year the image is taken on procession through the city, passing along the narrow roads carpeted with fresh flowers in geometrical designs.

Address: Campo de São Francisco
Directions: northern part of the square, parallel with he seafront