The Igreja de São Pedro sits in the historic heart of Ponta Delgada. On the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Its origins trace back to the 15th century. Though exactly when remains unclear. The documentation did not survive.

What is known. By 1681, parts of the church and its tower had already fallen into ruin. It took until 1733 for the Portuguese crown to step in and fund its rebuilding. Even then, the works dragged on for decades. The gilded altar only received its golden finish during the reign of Dona Maria I. The result of all that patience. A stunning example of Azorean baroque. Black basalt carvings frame the entrance. A warm, gilded interior that surprises anyone who walks through the door.

Small from the outside. Vast on the inside.

Worth every detour.