Culture of Azores. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Travelling around the Azores will bring a lot of wonderful memories. Each of the islands is home to unique natural and historical attractions. San Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago. On the island travelers are recommended to visit old palaces of the 17th century, the church of St. Sebastian and a treasury located next to it, and Carlos Machado Museum. Fans of nature can make a walk to picturesque woods or climb to the crater of Sete Cidades Volcano. Terceira Island is a no less remarkable place. The island is also the location of beautiful religious monuments. Travellers traditionally enjoy making an excursion to Algar do Carvao Cave, which was formed more than two thousand years ago as the result of volcano eruption.

Faial Island is home to a beautiful Caldeira Natural Reserve. Tourists can go up to the observation deck of Monte da Guia and enjoy the picturesque panorama of the island. Fans of water entertainments will enjoy Santa Maria Island more than others. In addition to luxurious beaches, the island is widely known for its beautiful church. A walk on cozy streets of the city will bring totally unforgettable pleasure. You will be also able to see numerous interesting buildings.

Don’t forget about Pico Island and its Wine Museum. There are also several notable historic buildings on the island, as well as a beautiful town Vila do Porto. All most luxurious mansions and churches built in the Baroque style can be seen on Flores Island, and in Sao Jorge Island have preserved aristocratic mansions built in the beginning of the 17th century. Graciosa Island is home to a prominent natural landmark. We are talking about a sulfur cave Furna do Enxofre. There is a beautiful underground lake inside the cave. While walking through the streets of the city you will see beautiful mansions built in the 18th century, see an old cathedral and a monument in the form of a large cross, which was also built more than one hundred years ago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

And now more precisely, which sights are worth seeing while on the Azores Islands. Firstly, we have Portas da Cidade, located in Ponta Delgada. This is the realest symbol of the Azores, and therefore to not visit the place would be considered downright cruel. You can take a pleasant walk along Farol Ponta do Arnel. This wonderful lighthouse situated on the volcanic sand beaches attracts all who can feel aesthetic pleasure. Moreover, the view from the mountain is simply breathtaking – no other words are needed to describe it, it is better to see it for yourself. Its location in the San Miguel Island is near the city of Candelaria.

Lovers of military history and fortifications will appreciate Fort of Santa Catarina. It is located on the Pico Island, in the city Lajes do Pico. This is a kind of small fortress. It is a very quiet and peaceful place, and therefore a suitable destination for all those who seek privacy. The majestic Palácio dos Capitães Generais is expected to be visited by all who love to enjoy interesting buildings, as well as the beautiful garden inside. There is a fascinating story connected with the building and it is definitely worth listening to. The palace is located in Angra do Heroismo.

Another sea fort is sited in Ponta Delgada. This is the magnificent Forte de S. Bras. In addition, you can find a museum and a church nearby. This is a great place to walk around the bastions. The fort itself has the shape of a star, which is outstanding among other fortifications. By the way, it is thanks to this form that incredible views open from airplanes on the fort. The “Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos”, though a small chapel, definitely deserves a visit due to its unique architecture. Furthermore, it has a rich history. The church is located on the St. Mary Island.

Among the religious monuments that are present in the city, it is interesting to visit Igreja de São Pedro, which is located in Ponta Delgada. This is one of the oldest temples in the entire region. It was built in the 15th century, and the fact that the church has preserved the architectural traditions of the said time, is also remarkable. Most striking of all, are the iconostasis and sculptures which are very well preserved. There is another church which is striking with its interesting interior decoration. We are talking about Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, which is located in Angra do Heroismo. The church was built in the 16th century. You can find fragments of frescoes of this period in it. Connoisseurs of sacred art will appreciate the Nucleo de Santa Bárbara do Museu Carlos Machado, both the exhibits and the exterior of the building.

Lovers of ruins will worthily appreciate the Monte Palace Hotel Ruins. It is located on San Miguel, in Sete Cidades. This is a beautiful place from which “blows” mysticism. It is definitely not to be missed by those who love such places. There are on the islands other attractions such as windmills. First of all, there is the Moinho do Pico Vermelho, located in Ponta Delgada. Next we have the Moinhos de Vento da Lomba da Conceição, which is located in Horta. The extraordinary romance that emits from these places amazes everyone, and you will want to stay here for a considerable amount of time.