The first place of worship built on the island was a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, located by the sea. It was here that the inhabitants of Corvo fulfilled their Easter duties, with a clergyman from the neighbouring island of Flores travelling annually during Lent to conduct religious services.
The chapel was destroyed during a raid by Barbary pirates in 1632, after which the image of the Virgin became known as Our Lady of Miracles.
In 1674, Corvo was elevated to parish status. At that time, the construction of a parish church began, dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles and served by a vicar, a curate, and a treasurer.
The church was rebuilt in 1795, measuring 26 metres in length and 7 metres in width. In 1932, a devastating fire destroyed the building, along with many valuable liturgical items. However, the statue of Our Lady of Miracles — traditionally believed to have been found at sea — was saved, and the church was subsequently restored.
Today, the building is protected under Resolution no. 69/97 of 10 April by the Regional Government of the Azores, and is included in the Inventory of Historical and Religious Heritage of Corvo Island.
The feast of the patron saint is celebrated annually on 15 August, attracting hundreds of visitors from the neighbouring island.
The church is built in stone masonry, plastered and painted white, with the base, cornerstones, cornice, and window and door frames painted in grey. The main façade is simple, featuring a central portal topped by a decorative frame containing a stone plaque inscribed with the date “1795,” marking its early reconstruction, and flanked by two windows. The façade is crowned by a pediment topped with a stone cross. The roof is gabled and covered with industrial half-round tiles.
To the right of the building stands the bell tower, with a rectangular layout. It features arched openings for the bells and is topped by a faceted spire with pinnacles at the corners.
Inside, the church has a single nave, with a sacristy and a baptistery located on the Epistle side. The pulpit is positioned on the Gospel side.
At the end of the nave are two altars: one dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (on the Gospel side) and the other to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (on the Epistle side).
The patron saint’s statue, Our Lady of Miracles, dates back to the 16th century and is of Flemish origin. According to local tradition, it was found at sea. The image stands out for its craftsmanship and for the magnificent adornments it has received over the centuries, including a gold crown and rosary, as well as silk cloaks richly embroidered with gold
