Church of Our Lady of Grace

Stunning views out over the Atlantic.

A small chapel in the fortress.

Within the fortress walls of the Forteleza stands the small, noteworthy church of Ingreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries on the foundations of an older church dedicated to Santa Maria, supposedly initiated by Henry the Navigator. The golden carved Baroque altar was brought from the Santa Catarina Chapel of the Belixe Fortress in 1997 to house the image of the town's patron saint. The front of the altar features a panel of Renaissance tiles with a scene related to the Eucharist, featuring trees, birds, elephants, and antelopes. Statues of St. Vincent and St. Francis are located in the side niches.