Churches | Holy Spirit Chapels | Shrines

Impérios are closely related to the popular Azorean cult to the Holy Spirit introduced on the Island of Terceira by the first settlers from the Portuguese mainland. These, in turn, kept up the tradition initiated in the 13th century by Saint Isabelle, Queen of Portugal.

These small chapels, veritable architectural landmarks of the Azorean landscape, harbour the insignia of the "Emperor" and all the cult symbology. They differ from other chapels in that they display the Crown of the Holy Spirit rather than the usual Cross. The annual Holy Spirit Festivities, which is the islanders' highest and most sublime expression of the faith, are staged in and round the Império.

Successive waves of Azorean emigration took the cult of the Holy Spirit and the Impérios to other distant lands like Brazil and the North American continent where they have become visible features of local tradition and architecture.

Survey of Impérios on the Island of Terceira - Azores