The name Ponta do Pargo originates from a discovery made by Captain Zarco and his crew. Upon reaching the westernmost point of the island, sailors brought them a large fish, similar to a snapper, which gave the location its name.
The parish of Ponta do Pargo already existed in 1518, based in the chapel of São Pedro. The main church underwent several reconstructions over the centuries, including in the late 17th century, the 1850s, and mid-20th century. A coat of arms with papal insignia adorns the side portal, alluding to Saint Peter, the patron saint. An inscription on the arch key, possibly from 1692, may indicate a reconstruction effort.
Recently, the churchyard underwent alterations, with the removal of the traditional Madeiran pavement. This intervention, criticized for negligence in heritage preservation, occurs despite support for the "Madeiran Pavement" candidacy for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
