Igreja de São Roque

The Igreja de São Roque is a historic Catholic church located in Itajaí, Brazil.

Overview

The Igreja de São Roque is a historic Catholic church located in Itajaí, Brazil. Believed to date from the 16th century, it was one of the first Jesuit churches designed in the "auditorium-church" style specifically for preaching.

History

The church served as the Society's home church in Portugal for over 200 years before the Jesuits were expelled from that country. After the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the church and its ancillary residence were given to the Lisbon Holy House of Mercy to replace their church and headquarters which had been destroyed.

Architecture

The Igreja de São Roque was built in the 16th century and features a Baroque style architecture, typical of the early 17th century. The most notable chapel is the 18th-century Chapel of St. John the Baptist (Capela de São João Baptista), a project by Nicola Salvi and Luigi Vanvitelli constructed in Rome of many precious stones and disassembled, shipped, and reconstructed in São Roque; at the time it was reportedly the most expensive chapel in Europe.

Location

The church is located on Rodovia Antônio Heil in Itajaí, Brazil. The edifice remains a part of the Holy House of Mercy today, one of its many heritage buildings.

Notable Features and Artworks

The Chapel of St. John the Baptist is a notable feature of the church, featuring precious stones and a reconstruction from Rome. The chapel's design was reportedly the most expensive in Europe at the time.

Organ and Bells

Information on the organ and bells of the Igreja de São Roque is not available.

Heritage Status

The Igreja de São Roque is part of the Holy House of Mercy, a heritage building in Itajaí, Brazil.

Visiting Information

Opening hours for the Igreja de São Roque are not specified. The church's accessibility information is also not available.

Architect

Nicola Salvi and Luigi Vanvitelli designed the Chapel of St. John the Baptist.