Religious site
Old Church of São Mateus da Calheta
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The Old Church of São Mateus da Calheta, built in the 1500s, now stands as a roofless shell, a poignant reminder of the island's early colonial history. The stone walls, worn by centuries of salt wind, enclose a grassy floor where wildflowers bloom. Visitors can walk through the nave, gaze up at the empty bell tower, and imagine the congregation that once gathered here. The site's stark beauty and sense of abandonment make it a compelling stop for those interested in ruins and the passage of time.
Don't miss
- Explore the roofless nave and imagine the original church layout
- Photograph the solitary bell tower against the ocean backdrop
- Look for carved stone details and remnants of the original altar
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Old Church of São Mateus da Calheta
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSpiritus Porto: Videomapping Immersive Show at Clerigos Church4.4★ · 260 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →
Most bookedWhale and Dolphin Watching in Calheta, Madeira Island4.9★ · 1,325 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleAVEIRO and COSTA NOVA + Church of Válega and Mr. da Pedra from Porto5★ · 16 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$180 per personSee dates →More attractions in Angra Do Heroismo