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ILHA TERCEIRA - DESCRIPTION
This island is probably the most advanced of all the islands in terms
of modern comforts and communications due to the American Lajes
Airfield, an active military base on the north-east coast. The island
is 29 kilometres long and 17.5 kilometres wide and has a population of
56.000. In 1983 the capital Angra do Heroísmo was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Historically, this port town has been important
for boats trading between the Americas, Europe and Africa. It was here
that Vasco da Gama in 1499 laid his brother to rest after his pioneer
voyage to India. There is a local fable that during the late 15th
Century the rebellious Dom António, Prior of Crato who had taken up
residence on this island after fleeing from mainland Portugal managed
to defeat the forces of Phillip II of Spain when in desperation they
crowded herds of cattle onto the beaches and thus stopped the soldiers
from successfully landing. Another more likely version is that a local
farmers wife drove a herd of bulls onto the beach as the Spanish were
in the process of debarking.
The homes and the numerous churches reflect the past wealth acquired
during the 17th Century when the Spanish loaded with gold and
treasures preferred this port as a stopover between the Americas and
Spain. During the last century the town's architectural structures
have badly suffered, firstly from earthquake in 1980 and three years
later from a devastating fire.
Overlooking the harbour is the Castelo de São João Baptista built in
the early 17th Century under the direction of the Spanish. The 15th
Century Convento de São Francisco houses the local museum. The island
consists of pleasant forested farmland with some reminders that its
origin is purely volcanic. At the Algar do Carvão is an impressive
sight of a dramatic blast-hole covered in moss and a large subterranean
cave that can be visited. To the west is another attraction named the
Furnas do Enxofre which is hot steaming geysers providing colourful
formations in the air. This island also is famous for it special form
of bull-running that takes place through the summer. A bull is let
loose in the streets but tethered by two ropes held by teams of men
whose main hope is to keep hold whilst the bull goes its own way!
The north coast at Biscoitos there is a Museu do Vinho that explains
the making of the special local wine "verdelho". This wine
once reached great fame in the Russian court in the time of the Tsars.
Another product for which this island relies for an income is its
quality cheese which finds its way even to mainland Portugal.
ILHA TERCEIRA GOLF COURSE -
Terceira
GOLF ACCOMMODATION
- Where to Stay
ILHA TERCEIRA - EVENTS
24th June to 4th July - Festa Sanjoaninas
Pentecost Sunday to 15th September - Festas de Espírito Santo
ILHA TERCEIRA INFORMATION
ILHA TERCEIRA RESTAURANTS
COMPLETE LIST FOR AZORES AREA
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