Video

This music with this video

Good job lots of birds

Aside from the AI narrator, the video was interesting history.

saw my dad on here...Great feeling to see this

Miss those uniforms 😢

😊nice filming 🎥 sk... Vivat Jesus from Governor Peter Burnett Assembly Long Beach California 042_SoCal Chapter_Lb California

Nice hills and valleys

You can see why Rome was saved from outside invaders you’re not gonna get no elephant through these mountains😊

nothing like old world charm 😊😊😊😊

some more breathtaking landscape.😊

very beautiful landscape

Church of St. Magdalena The first mention of the church of Santa Maddalena dates back to 1394. The nave of the church consists mainly of a "corridor" building, therefore typically late Gothic, with an asymmetrical ribbed vault. The interior decoration of the church dates back to the XVIII century and is in Baroque style. Church of St. Magdalena in Villnöss The church of St Magdalena is located in the homonymous village in Villnöss valley. In its simple late Gothic beauty, the building perfectly harmonises with the majestic Geisler peaks in its background and is therefore one of the most popular photo motifs in South Tyrol. According to a legend, a small statue of Sainte Magdalene was washed ashore after a heavy storm. Where it was found, there was later built this church. The votive tablet is still displayed in the church today, first mentioned in documents in 1394. The only church tower remained of the original building, as the present late Gothic construction dates back to the end of the 15th century. The environs of St. Magdalena church Apart from the asymmetrical reticulated vault, St. Magdalena has Baroque interiors. Wonderful as well are the paintings by Ladin artist Johann M. Pescoller of the year 1928 in the choir vault. Together with Mesnerhaus, the old school building and Obermesnerhof farm, the church forms an idyllic ensemble. Important information on how to get there: The access road to the church is reserved for residents, and therefore blocked for other traffic by a gate. It is recommended to park at the "Putzen" car park shortly after St. Magdalena (about 30 minutes' walk from the church).

Parish church of Urtijëi A small Catholic church dedicated to Sant Antonio is located in Piazza Sant Antonio in the town of Ortisei in the province of Bolzano in Trentino Alto Adige. It is a small welcoming chapel with beautiful spiritual energy, a bright and profound place of worship with statues and paintings, all to be admired in silence and prayer absolutely to visit to light a candle in contemplation. Coordinates: 46.5752°N 11.6716°E Parish church of Urtijëi Religion Affiliation Roman Catholic Location Location South Tyrol, Italy Architecture Completed 1792-1796 The Parish Church of Urtijëi located in the town of Urtijëi in Val Gardena in South Tyrol, Italy is dedicated to the Epiphany and to Saint Ulrich. It was built in the years 1792-1796 in the Neoclassical style with some Baroque elements by the tyrolean master Joseph Abenthung and the interior domes painted by the Tyrolean brothers Franz Xaver and Josef Kirchebner. The structure of the church has the form of Latin cross with a central nave and two lateral chapels dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Our Lady of the Rosary. Artworks[edit] The church contains a great number of sculptures, mostly in wood, carved by artists from Val Gardena, including Vigil Dorigo, Luis Kostner, Josef Moroder-Lusenberg, Anton Pitscheider and Franz Ruggaldier. In the corners of the presbytery there are four plaster statues, created by Johann Dominik Mahlknecht (German Wikipedia) for this church but never cast in bronze, representing the four Evangelists. The stained glass windows are a matching set, each one containing a roundel with the head of one of the Twelve Apostles.

Seceda Mountain Seceda Mountain soars over 8,200 feet above the Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva villages in Val Gardena. The mountain lies in the Puez Odle Nature Park (Naturpark Puez-Geisler in German) and is among the most recognizable Dolomites - thanks, Instagram! The Odle mountains take their name from the local Ladin language, meaning "needles." with its summit spearing the sky, one look at Seceda is enough to see how the peaks got their name. Like many others in this region, the limestone crags are scattered with welcoming rifugios and green valleys, creating a landscape like nowhere else. Once you reach the cable car station in Ortisei, you can take a gondola from Ortisei to Furnes, and from there, take the cable car to Seceda. You'll spend 15-20 minutes riding on the two cable cars combined.

The small church of Ranui, a symbol of South Tyrol’s beauty A highly popular photographic subject, it is a unique location for a wedding in the mountains The church of San Giovanni in Ranui is part of the Ranui Hof property and stands out in the green meadows surrounding the farm. The small church of Ranui in the heart of the beautiful Dolomitic mountain landscape is certainly one of the most photographed sites of South Tyrol. Without fail, any hiker will be fascinated by the Baroque chapel dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk with its onion-domed bell tower that stands proudly beneath the peaks of the Odle range. The patron saint’s feast day: Saint John of Nepomuk, May 16th The small church of Ranui features a pitched roof covered with shingles, a three-sided choir and a bell tower standing at the north-eastern corner of the building, whose onion dome covered in copper is crowned by a star. The facade of the entrance is richly decorated and has a fresco depicting the church’s patron saint. The inscription on the facade of the small church of San Giovanni in Ranui, "erected by Michael Jenner in 1744", was probably affixed by his devoted descendants, given that Michael Jenner died in 1723. His two sons had died before him, while his niece Maria Barbara who in 1720 had married Georg von Mayerl from Bolzano still lived and inherited Ranui along with her cousin Joseph Anton Jenner who had often stayed at Ranui. It was Joseph Anton Jenner who had the small church built. Precious frescoes and altar pieces The barrel vault inside the small Baroque church has a fresco depicting scenes from the life of Saint John Nepomuk. A cycle of 9 paintings on the side walls is dedicated to the life of the saint and confers solemnity to the space inside (photo on the right, John hears the Queen’s confession). The most beautiful ornament of the church is the marbled wood altar with two paintings worthy of particular attention. The largest painting shows St John Nepomuk presenting his tongue to the Child Jesus, sitting on the Virgin’s lap, in sign of silence and as the cause of his martyrdom. Legend has it that John of Nepomuk was tortured, martyred, and drowned in the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, after which his remains were found near a star-shaped garland. Since then, he is considered to be the patron saint of all people in danger of drowning. HOW TO FIND THE ST. JOHANN CHURCH IN RANUI (SAN GIOVANNI CHURCH ) After you walk back to your car, the next photospot is the Saint Johann Church in Ranui or otherwise known as San Giovanni Church. The San Giovanni Church is a small church located in Ranui in the foot of the Odel Dolomites. The mine owner Michael von Jenner commissioned the construction of this church in 1744. It is easy to visit San Giovanni Church since it’s literally a 5-10 minute drive from St. Magdalena (or you can even walk 15-20 minutes from St. Maddalena). When you look for directions, put “Kirche St. Johann in Ranui” in Google Maps and it will lead you right there. There is a parking lot at where the Google Map location takes you. From there you can actually walk to the church and look inside. If you only want to photograph the church with the mountain peaks behind it, you will have to park on the side of the street at the beginning of the road “S. Giovanni” leading up to the official parking lot. There is a small platform that you can walk on to take the photo (the area is fenced off and the small platform is the only place for you to stand to see the church and take photos).

Most enjoyable ,lots of work but look at the reward

Ken, Thank you for up loading the videos, very nice job! 👍

Great job ken!

Simply stunning...

The canyon seems fairly big and the large looks comforting.

I want my bicycle...I want my bicycle.

Good Flute music and gorgeous rock formations

I love how you hold up the rocks...hahaha

Nice scenery...make you wonder how all this was formed. God handy work.

Small cars are the things you need there.

Matriz Headquarters (Ribeira Grande) Portugal Headquarters Parish Ribeira Grande Mother Church Location Location in the municipality of Ribeira Grande Headquarters Headquarters location in the Azores Coordinates 37° 49' 21" N 25° 31' 13" W Region Azores County Ribeira Grande Administration Type Parish council President André Francisco Ferreira Mendonça (PSD) Geographic features Total area 10.82 km² Total population (2021) 3,777 inhab. Density 349.1 inhabitants/km² Other information Orago Our Lady of the Star Matriz is a Portuguese parish in the municipality of Ribeira Grande with a geographical area of around 10.82 km2 and 3,777 inhabitants (2021), which includes the places of Caldeiras and Lombadas, the parish of Matriz (Our Lady of Estrela) faces the Atlantic Ocean and with the parishes of Conceição, Ribeirinha and São Miguel (municipality of Vila Franca do Campo). The toponymy of this parish - Matriz - is due to the fact that it is the mother parish of Ribeira Grande. Its constitution, as a place or small parish, dates back to a time before the construction of its main church, Nossa Senhora da Estrela, in the 1500s. It is Gaspar Frutuoso, in his fourth book “Saudades da Terra” who gives us the first information about this town: “The first vicar of this town and parish was Rodrigo Anes (…) this parish of Nossa Senhora da Estrela is a suffragan the place of Rabo de Peixe and attached five hermitages, sc., of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Santa Luzia, Santo André, São Sebastião, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, apart from Espírito Santo, which is a spitral for the poor and sick, located next to the square , and besides a sumptuous monastery of the advocation of Jesus, above the spitral, not so rich in buildings, as in virtues of noble and virtuous nuns, which Pêro Roiz da Câmara built in his own homes”. Matriz is one of the parishes in the municipality of Ribeira Grande that, in terms of natural and cultural heritage, has the greatest wealth.

Gaspar Frutuoso Gaspar Frutuoso Born c. 1522 Ponta Delgada (Azores), Kingdom of Portugal Died 24 August 1591 (aged 68-69) Ribeira Grande (Azores), Kingdom of Portugal Occupation Priest Language Portuguese Alma mater University of Coimbra Period 1696-1717 Genre History, Geography, Ethnography Subject Azores, Theology, Philosophy Notable works Saudades da Terra ''Saudades do Céu Relatives • Frutuoso Dias (father) • Isabel Fernandes (mother) Gaspar Frutuoso (c. 1522 - 1591) was a Portuguese priest, historian and humanist from the island of São Miguel, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. His major contribution to Portuguese history was his detailed descriptions of the history and geography of the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and references to Cape Verde, which he published in his six-part tome Saudades da Terra, as well as Saudades do Céu. He is normally cited in settlement history of the islands of the Azores. Biography[edit] Gaspar Frutuoso was born in 1522,[1][2] on the island of São Miguel, son of Frutuoso Dias, a merchant and rural property-owner, and his wife Isabel Fernandes. Little is known of his childhood, apart from references to him working his father's lands during this period. The first trustworthy record about Frutuoso was his admission to the University of Salamanca (in 1548) where he later obtained an Arts certification.[2] At the age of 31 (in 1554), he was ordained during a visit to São Miguel;[2] his records from 1554 to 1555 show him registered as presbitero bachiller. He continued his studies in Salamanca under the noted theologian Domingo de Soto, the royal confessor of King Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (and Charles I of Spain) and envoy to the Council of Trent, where he obtained a theology baccalaureate.[2] During his time in Salamanca he became friends with Father Miguel Torres, a member of the Society of Jesus, which would later serve him as he was promoting charitable activities in the Azores. He briefly returned to the Azores between 1558 and 1560, where he became parish priest in Santa Cruz, in the municipality of Lagoa (records written by him during this period date his time in the parish). In 1560, he decided to return to Salamanca in order to complete a Doctorate in Theology, but began working with Bishop Julião de Alva in Bragança, where he remained until 1563. It is unclear when, and from where, he attained his Doctorate, but he began to use this title from 1565, also when his name began appearing on the University of Évora's registry (an institution of the Society of Jesus), after 1569.[3] By decree, 20 May 1565, he was nominated to be the vicar and orator at the parochial Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (Our Lady of the Star), in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, a position he held for the next 26 years (until his death). During this time, he was dedicated to the parish, as well as charitable works he contributed towards on and off-island, but still had time writing his 16 manuscripts that included Saudades da Terra, and Saudades do Ceu.[3] Ever mindful of the politics of the time, during the period of the Philippine Dynasty, he was: "...generally benevolent, and at the same time cautious and prudent...always respecting the established order, he always spoke of Philip II with reverence owed to his royal majesty and mindful of his right to the throne, never letting himself fall into diatribes or acerbic references nor acrimony against contrary factions."[4] In 1566, during the French assault on Funchal, he collected funds and wheat for the people of Madeira. He died on 24 August 1591 and was buried in the Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela, in Ribeira Grande. Saudades da Terra[edit] Second volume of Frutuoso's Saudades da Terra, dedicated to Madeira Saudades da Terra, literally Nostalgic-longing for the Land, is a six-volume tome that contains observations by the author, of the history and geography of the Atlantic territories of the Kingdom of Portugal, as well as the Canary Islands (lands at one time attributed to Portugal). It is a referential work for the understanding of the islands of Macaronesia at the end of the 16th Century. The work is not limited to geography and history, but also covers daily life, customs and traditions, genealogy, the origins of place names, flora and fauna, and affirms Frutuoso's humanist nature, typical of the Renaissance. The author is an encyclopedic, literary and artistic observer of the natural phenomenons, preoccupied with experimental alchemy and speculative on aspects of geology, biology, mineralogy and petrology. His detailed descriptions are so detailed that they were published into separate volumes which cover: • Book I - Cape Verde and Canary Islands; • Book II - Madeira; • Book III - Santa Maria (Azores); • Book IV - São Miguel (Azores); • Book V - Poem • Book VI - Terceira, Faial, Pico, Flores, Graciosa, São Jorge (Azores). The fifth volume is an elaborate poem, from the perspective of a fictional character, writing in a pastoral style, about the history of two friends that are separated and forced to live far from home. Some biographers have cited this as a deliberate autobiography of Frutuoso and his university friend, the Micalense medic, Gaspar Gonçalves. Gaspar Frutuoso apparently attempted to publish his work, going so far as to rework and edit his manuscript (the original has many edits in his hand). For reasons that are never clear, although the Spanish occupation of the island (during the Iberian Union) may have influenced his decision, he never published the work. The manuscript, along with documents from his library, were sent to the Jesuit College in Ponta Delgada and preserved until 1760 (when the Society of Jesus was expelled from Portugal). The manuscript fell into the hands of people who restricted access to the document, until it was donated to the General Committee of Ponta Delgada, and incorporated into the holdings of the Public Library and Archive (where it now resides). The work was finally published in 1873, with thirty notes by Álvaro Rodrigues de Azevedo, and a prologue by the Dicionário Universal de Português Ilustrado (Illustrated Universal Dictionary of Portugal), written by Fernandes Costa. Many partial editions of Saudades da Terra have been re-published by the Instituto Cultural de Ponta Delgada since 1966.

Church of Our Lady of the Star (Ribeira Grande) Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela, Ribeira Grande, island of S. Miguel. The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela is located in Largo Gaspar Frutuoso, in the parish of Matriz , municipality of Ribeira Grande , on the island of São Miguel , in the Azores . History It dates back to a hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Purification, which existed there at the end of the 15th century . On June 4, 1507, two months before the settlement became a town, construction began on a parish church. Modeled after the Church of São Miguel Archangel , in Vila Franca do Campo , the work was entrusted to the Biscayan master builder Juan de la Peña for 140 thousand réis. [ 1 ] The works were completed in 1517 , under the invocation of Our Lady of the Star. It was consecrated by the bishop of Tangier , D. Duarte, who at the time had come to São Miguel on a delegation from the bishop of Funchal . On that occasion, a box with sacred relics was deposited at the main altar. [ 2 ] Decorative work continued throughout the 16th century, with panels, altarpieces and vestments of great artistic value being acquired. Father António Cordeiro refers to an altar established here by D. Mécia Pereira and her husband, D. Gomes de Melo, which contained a panel of the Three Kings, still extant today, and which must date from 1582, not knowing whether It will have been executed on the island or brought from outside. [ 2 ] In 1581 , when the new altarpiece was consecrated by the bishop of Angra , D. Pedro de Castilho , new relics were added to the existing ones, described on a parchment that was kept in the old box: " On the ninth of April I, D. Pedro Castilho, Bishop of Angra, consecrated this altar to the honor of the virgin, Our Lady of Loreto, and placed her relics in it; namely: A small particle of wood and a little earth from her house of Loreto and a bone of the eleven thousand virgins and a small bone of S. Sebastian. (...) " [ 3 ] The temple was shaken by the earthquakes of 1563 , 1564 , 1571 , 1588 and 1591 . Around 1680 , the collapse of the bell tower destroyed one of the naves and ruined the others. The then vicar Hierónimo Tavares even considered total reconstruction, but given the difficulty of resources, it was postponed. [ 3 ] On May 3, 1728 , they were deposited in the Misericórdia Church, where they would remain for a period of eight years during which the works would last, the Blessed Sacrament , images and objects from the Matrix. After the demolition of the old temple, construction began on the current one, designed by Sousa Freire, then vicar of Ribeira Seca . After his death, the works began to be supervised by Manuel de Vascocelos. The work continued until 1736 , with the contribution of alms from the population. [ 3 ] On September 5 , 1834 , the temple's roof collapsed and was rebuilt at the expense of the parish council. [ 3 ] In 1862 , Prior Jacinto do Amaral had the carvings of the entire church restored, having ordered vestments, images and artistic silver. [ 3 ] Here he attended as vicar, from August 15 , 1565 , the date of his inauguration, until 1591 , the year of his death, the priest Dr. Gaspar Frutuoso , who arrived transferred from the Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz da Vila da Lagoa . Here, in the last years of his life, he wrote the chronicle that immortalized him, " Saudades da Terra ". His remains were deposited here for centuries until they were transferred to the village cemetery. It is classified as a Property of Public Interest . Characteristics The church has a wide frontispiece, torn by three shutters, topped by three windows on which, in the pediment, there are two others, framed by quarry stone. Under the ashlar, the central body is covered in tiles. The bell tower rises on the right and has two rows of bells. In the sacristy of this temple there is a museum of Sacred Art , where you can find silver implements and a Flemish triptych that belongs to the Hermitage of Santo André and dates back to the 16th century . In this temple, the altar of the Magi , the gilded carving of the Chapel of the Santíssimo, the choir chair of the main chapel (with design by Sousa Freire), the frescoes on the ceiling dedicated to the Virgin and the wrought iron door that closes the Baptistery . Regarding the carving work in this temple, the name of Pedro de Araújo de Lima stands out, a carver from Ribeira Grande, who worked here from 1862 to 1865. In the high choir of this temple there is a work of art of great artistic value: the "Arcana", a set of hundreds of small figures molded in rice flour , gum arabic and alum , arranged in different planes, representing scenes from the Ancient Testament and the New Testament . This work was authored by the nun of the Order of the Poor Clares , Margarida do Apocalipse , who created it in the 19th century .

Eight Arches Bridge Ponte dos Oito Arcos, Ribeira Grande. The Ponte dos Oito Arcos is located in the parish of Matriz , municipality of Ribeira Grande , on the island of São Miguel , in the Autonomous Region of the Azores , in Portugal . Together with the City Council building, it constitutes one of the city's " ex libris ", appearing on the municipality's coat of arms . History One of the largest road works in the archipelago in the 19th century , it extends over Ribeira Grande, connecting Rua Sousa e Silva, on the right bank, to Rua do Estrella, on the left bank. The bridge was built between 1888 and 1893. [ 1 ] Its project was authored by the military engineer António Augusto de Sousa e Silva (1844-1925), Peer of the Kingdom who held the position of director of Public Works in the district of Ponta Delgada and was deputy to the Cortes for the Ponta Delgada circle in several legislatures. It was replaced by the old Paraíso Bridge, which over the centuries had been successively enlarged on the same site as a primitive stone bridge that was there, built by Fernão Álvares. Characteristics The 19th century bridge was built in plastered stone masonry and painted white on the guards and wall panels on the south side, and in exposed stonework with mortared joints on the remaining surfaces. It was built on eight round arches , based on rectangular pillars . The pillars are reinforced, on the external faces, by pilasters that extend to the guard and are intersected, at mid-height, by the imposts of the arches. The imposts are dented on the inner sides of the arches. The board guard is perforated along its entire length and rests on a cornice reinforced by corbels.

Wow

Yes, the sign that said "pretend it's 1995 No WI-FI talk to each other" was funny.

SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND IN THE AZORES IS THE TEA CAPITAL OF EUROPE Tea is only one of the things that makes São Miguel Island in the Azores unique! The Azores Islands are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, unique volcanic properties, delicious food and endless potential for adventure. Though tea has been grown here for almost 200 years, the Azores have quietly reigned as Europe's secret tea capital. In the middle of the Atlantic, roughly 900 miles from the coast of mainland Portugal, you'll find Europe's only two commercial tea plantations sprawling along the hillsides of São Miguel Island's north coast. Discover hidden gems and majestic sights on São Miguel Island with our travel guide! With it, you can uncover all the island has to offer - from breathtaking beaches to lush forests. Embark on an adventure of a lifetime! Welcome to tea paradise! A Bit of History In the mid-1800’s, orange production and exportation in the Azores had come to a grinding halt due to a blight that wiped out almost all of the islands' orange plantations. Oranges were the Azores' biggest export, and this blight threatened to send the islands' into an economic crisis. Ever resilient and resourceful, Azoreans got to work on figuring out which crops they could cultivate to give the economy the boost it needed -- as a result, crops like tea, tobacco, sweet potato and pineapple were introduced. The famous pineapple of the Azores The climate of São Miguel Island quickly proved to be perfect for tea growth and its cultivation slowly spread across the island with one major flaw hindering its initial success: Azoreans didn't know anything about cultivating or producting tea! Such was their blissful ignorance, tea was initially used as an ornamental plant before someone noticed its full potential. Experts from China-- where tea is originally from-- were hired to come to the Azores, with tea seeds in tow, and teach local producers how to grow and treat the plant. Workers used to manually pick and collect tea in large wicker baskets like these at Gorreana Tea Factory Photo courtesy of Gorreana Tea With the help of the experts, tea production became a prominent industry on the island, reaching its peak in the 1950s. However, the aftermath of World War II coupled with new Customs Protection laws that were put in place for Mozambique tea proved to be insurmountable roadblocks for the tea exportation and production on the Azores. By 1966, only 5 of the original 14 processing tea factories remained in operation. Currently, there are only two: the Porto Formoso Tea Factory, which closed in the 1980s and reopened in 2001, and the Gorreana Tea Factory, which has steadfastly remained open since 1883. Picture yourself walking through this beautiful maze of tea fields Gorreana Tea Factory in São Miguel Island, Azores A family run business since 1883, Gorreana is a world class tea brand that produces a variety of 100% organic green and black teas, and tea infusions. The facilities are located on a sloping mountain ridge on the north side of the island, with a view to the Atlantic ocean away from pollution and city noise. Fun fact: common pests of tea plants don’t survive the humid climate or São Miguel, so Gorreana doesn’t need to bother with the use of chemicals insecticides on their plantation! Not only is the tea delicious, but it makes for a pretty perfect backdrop for an epic photoshoot Gorreana is Europe’s oldest tea factory and has never closed its doors since its grand opening-- the result is a 130 year legacy of growth and commercialization of Azorean tea to the world. The factory and brand are said to have withstood periods of economic downturn by keeping the costs of energy low by installing a hydroelectric system to power the manufacturing equipment. Gorreana is visited by thousands of people annually --one quick search on Instagram and you'll be inundated with thousands of photos of plantation views and tea cups-- that walk among the beautiful and unique plantations, visit the factory and the museum where original 1840 Marshall machinery can be observed, ending with a complimentary cup of tea with an amazing panoramic view over the island's north shore. These days, Gorreana's plantations occupy an area of 32 acres, and produces about 33 tons of tea per year that’s mainly exported to mainland Portugal, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Austria, France, Italy, Brazil, Angola and Japan. Next stop: Tea at the Porto Formoso Tea Factory Porto Formoso Tea Factory in São Miguel Island, Azores Just down the road from Gorreana, you'll find the Porto Formoso Tea Factory. This charming property is still a private home, with beautiful grounds that are open to the public during factory hours, where you can also stroll the tea fields, visit the factory and museum, and enjoy a cup of complimentary tea in the on-site tea room or covered varanda with panoramic views of the property and coast. The view over the tea fields and the seaside village of Porto Formoso down below is simply breathtaking The factory first opened in the 1920’s and later closed in the 1980’s when it was sold to new owners. In 1998, the current owners decided to invest in renovations to the property and got the factory back up and running again. Porto Formoso re-opened in 2001 and is today, alongside with Gorreana, one of the island's major tourist attractions. Porto Formoso produces 100% organic black tea in the Broken Leaf, Orange Pekoe, Pekoe and Azores Home Blend varieties. Traditional tea harvest Photo courtesy of @pauloacmelo Every year on the first Saturday of May, Porto Formoso Tea Factory comemmorates the start of tea picking season by recreating a traditional tea harvest. More than a hundred participants dress in traditional clothing and head out to the fields with straw baskets to pick tea the way it was done in the 19th century. At the end of the day, everyone comes together to cheers with a cup of Porto Formoso tea at sunset. Tourists are welcome to participate in this initiative to help preserve old traditions and keep the memory alive of the days when tea had a huge social and economical importance to the archipelago.

Beautiful countryside ❤

Cozido das Furnas: Your Meal Cooked by a Volcano If you ever happen to find yourself on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, be sure you stop off in the town of Furnas. This town, which is an easy and scenic drive from Ponta Delgada (the island’s capital), is a truly unique experience that you won’t be in a hurry to forget. And while you’re taking in the sights there, you’ll have to sample an equally unique meal: the cozido das Furnas. Cozido das Furnas is so special because it is only made in this particular town, due to its geothermal conditions. It’s a well-known fact that the Azores are a volcanic archipelago, but it’s easy to forget that fact as a tourist… until, of course, you arrive at places like Furnas. The village is dotted with boiling water springs and mud springs. Huge clouds of vapor rise from pockets of bubbling springs, which give Furnas an ethereal (dare I say Jurassic Park-esque?) feel. If you’re captivated by the ambiance and want to completely emerse yourself in it, you may want to take a relaxing dip in the Pool of Youth (remember to take swimwear) before trying the cozido das Furnas. “Cozido” is a traditional Portuguese dish composed of various meats (for example: bacon, ribs, chicken, chouriço and morcela, a Portuguese blood sausage) and vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, carrots are the most common), boiled together. It’s a hearty meal, to say the least! But in Furnas, the cozido is special because it’s cooked in a large pot, which is then placed underground and cooked by the steam from the hot springs. The meal is slowly cooked for approximately five hours before you get to enjoy it.

Furnas Coordinates: 37°46′20″N 25°18′47″W For other uses, see Furnas (disambiguation). Furnas Civil parish The Furnas Valley and town Furnas Location in the Azores Show map of AzoresShow map of São MiguelShow all Coordinates: 37°46′20″N 25°18′47″W Country Portugal Auton. region Azores Island São Miguel Municipality Povoação Established 1522 Area • Total 34.43 km2 (13.29 sq mi) Elevation 207 m (679 ft) Population (2011) • Total 1,439 • Density 42/km2 (110/sq mi) Time zone UTC−01:00 (AZOT) • Summer (DST) UTC±00:00 (AZOST) Postal code 9675-012 Area code 296 Patron Saint Anne of Furnas Valley Furnas is a civil parish in the municipality of Povoação on the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 1,439,[1] in an area of 34.43 km2.[2] The parish is one of the largest in the island and in the Azores. It is located east of Lagoa and Ponta Delgada, west of Povoação and southeast of Ribeira Grande. History[edit] One of the earliest references to Furnas came from the harvesting of trees in the valley of Furnas, in order to assist the construction of many of the homes destroyed by the 1522 earthquakes and landslides in Vila Franca do Campo. This includes numerous trees used to rebuild the parochial church, a project begun by Donatary-Captain Rui Gonçalves da Câmara. In 1553, his predecessor Manuel da Câmara, issued an edict to re-plant these trees after the area was nearly deforested, and roadways were expanded under his son, Rui Gonçalves da Câmara, in order to develop the area, allowing cattle herding in the valley after 1577.[3] Still during the tenure of Manuel da Câmara, a chapel was constructed to the invocation of Nossa Senhora da Consolação (Our Lady of Consolation) in 1613, and small residence built for the local priest (who was responsible for masses and the lighting of a lamp in the sacristy). More homes soon appeared in this area around 1615, and a small convent was constructed near the chapel. In 1630, as a consequence of a volcanic eruption in the valley, the area was abandoned. But, new settlers quickly returned to the Furnas valley (mostly from Ponta Garça, Povoação, Vila Franca and Maia) as the land became fertile and better able to sustain a larger population. New roads were constructed on orders between 1682 and 1683, donated by the Baron of Larangeiras.[4] Even isolated in the interior, the village continued to be vulnerable to pirate attacks. In 1679, Algerian pirates (from the Barbary coast) landed in the Portinho de Agrião, sacked the coastal village of Ribeira Quente, and proceeded to the interior, where they robbed several rams from the valley before returning to the coast. José Pereira Sodré, a resident near Agrião petitioned the governor of São Miguel for one of the cannons that existed at the city hall in Vila Franca; he intended that the armament would be used to defend the area from future attacks: it was rejected.[5] In 1832, an unknown English settler purchased a large parcel around the crater lake to build a home, but abandoned it and sold it to the English Consul-General at Ponta Delgada, named Vines, in 1855. There Mr. Vines constructed a summer home, with garden, which he named Grená in honour of his wife's familial relations: his spouse was the niece of Daniel O'Connell (who organized the Catholic movement in Ireland) and stayed at their Irish relatives' home, also called Grená. Upon Consul Vine's death, the home was used by a London surgeon named Hinton (who was a publisher of many works on hygiene and hearing), since Catherine Vine did not wish to return to Furnas. After Hinton's death in 1875, the home was used by Jorge Brown, who exploited the home as a hotel for summer tourists for several years. During this period many travellers stayed at the hotel, including Alice Baker (who wrote "A Summer in the Azores with a Glimpse of Madeira") and others who produced literary and scientific reviews of the region. In 1882, Grená was sold by Catherine Vine's son to Jorge Hayes, following the death of Jorge Brown in the same year. It was occupied by José do Canto while his home and chapel were being constructed on the other side of the lake. In June 1840, the population of the valley of Furnas numbered 1320 inhabitants scattered in 334 homes throughout the basin.[6] Geography[edit] Physical geography[edit] 1:24Furnas Caldeiras; aerial video One of the many geysers, hot-springs and fumaroles scattered in the center of the village of Furnas Furnas Vale das Furnas Hot-springs in the central village of Furnas, São Miguel Highest point Elevation 198 m (650 ft) Prominence 795 m (2,608 ft) Coordinates 37°46′21″N 25°18′14″W Geography Location São Miguel, Azores Parent range Volcanic Complex of Furnas Geology Age of rock 30000 Mountain type Stratovolcano Volcanic arc/belt Volcanic arc Last eruption September to November 1630

Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap Furnas is located in the easternmost of three active trachytic volcanoes on the island of São Miguel, in the historically active Volcanic Complex of Furnas. With a complicated 100,000 year history, the central caldera of the Furnas Volcano is a naturally explosive trachyte structure composed of two main calderas, that through formation, collapse and explosion have marked the natural history of the massif.[7] The oldest caldera has a diameter of approximately 7*5.5 km whose escarpment cuts the lava structures of the neighbouring Volcanic Complex of Povoação to the north and northeast and southeast to valley of Ribeira Quente.[7] The second caldera (4.5*3.5 km diameter) dates back 35000 years (the youngest caldera) and is geomorphologically identifiable by the 200 metre wall to the north and northwest.[7] Within the caldera are numerous pumice cones and maars resulting from Plinian and Phreto-plinian eruptions from 5000 years.[7] Owing to the existence of a population of several thousand people living within and around its caldera it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in archipelago.[8] Throughout its history, volcanic activity at Furnas has been essentially explosive but eruptive styles have varied from mild effusive activity to at least two caldera-forming eruptions 30,000 and 12,000-10,000 years ago. It is considered very active, since ten sub-Plinian eruptions have occurred within the past 5,000 years, producing a total area of 0.9 kilometres square of fairly homogeneous trachytic magma. The first known historical eruption occurred in 1440, just after early settlers started populating the coasts of São Miguel. The latest eruption occurred after the settlement of the Azores archipelago in 1630 A.D., and caused the deaths of 200 people. Eruptions of the Upper Furnas Group were mainly characterised by alternating episodes of magmatic and phreatomagmatic activity producing deposits of inter-bedded volcanic ash and lapilli that overlie the widespread main deposits from the adjacent Fogo volcano. At least three of these eruptions were accompanied by trachyte dome extrusions in the final phases of the eruption. The western of the two calderas is partially filled by a crater lake, Lagoa das Furnas, at an elevation of 359 metres (1,178 ft) and populated by several fumaroles and mud pools are located at the northern part of the lake. In the central part of the village, springs and geysers are prevalent; thirty springs, each of differing temperatures and chemical compositions, including warm iron-rich streams and piped examples of mineral-rich warm and cold water. The geysers are situated in several basins rich in sodium bicarbonate, boron, fluorine and traces of carbon dioxide. The local inhabitants cook stew-type dishes in the geysers. The installations of hydrotherapy are in the park and were built in the 19th century. Climate[edit] Furnas has an oceanic climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. It has cooler night-time temperatures than other places at lower altitudes on the island. hideClimate data for Furnas, 1973-1990, altitude: 290 m (950 ft), precipitation 1976-2002 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 20.1 (68.2) 19.5 (67.1) 21.7 (71.1) 20.5 (68.9) 24.0 (75.2) 24.3 (75.7) 27.2 (81.0) 28.5 (83.3) 27.4 (81.3) 24.9 (76.8) 23.0 (73.4) 20.9 (69.6) 28.5 (83.3) Average high °C (°F) 15.6 (60.1) 15.5 (59.9) 16.0 (60.8) 16.0 (60.8) 18.2 (64.8) 20.4 (68.7) 22.7 (72.9) 24.3 (75.7) 23.3 (73.9) 20.9 (69.6) 18.1 (64.6) 16.5 (61.7) 19.0 (66.1) Daily mean °C (°F) 12.0 (53.6) 11.8 (53.2) 12.4 (54.3) 12.4 (54.3) 14.4 (57.9) 16.6 (61.9) 18.5 (65.3) 19.8 (67.6) 18.9 (66.0) 16.8 (62.2) 14.2 (57.6) 12.8 (55.0) 15.1 (59.1) Average low °C (°F) 8.4 (47.1) 8.2 (46.8) 8.8 (47.8) 8.9 (48.0) 10.6 (51.1) 12.8 (55.0) 14.3 (57.7) 15.2 (59.4) 14.5 (58.1) 12.7 (54.9) 10.2 (50.4) 9.2 (48.6) 11.2 (52.1) Record low °C (°F) 1.3 (34.3) 0.8 (33.4) 0.5 (32.9) 2.7 (36.9) 2.5 (36.5) 4.0 (39.2) 7.0 (44.6) 7.0 (44.6) 7.1 (44.8) 5.5 (41.9) 2.0 (35.6) 1.9 (35.4) 0.5 (32.9) Average rainfall mm (inches) 223.9 (8.81) 198.1 (7.80) 177.6 (6.99) 146.0 (5.75) 119.7 (4.71) 95.2 (3.75) 50.0 (1.97) 78.8 (3.10) 141.7 (5.58) 195.0 (7.68) 240.7 (9.48) 299.0 (11.77) 1,965.7 (77.39) Average relative humidity (%) 88 87 85 84 86 85 85 86 87 87 90 90 87 Source: Instituto de Meteorologia,[9] Portuguese Environmental Agency[10] Economy[edit] Historically, the principal economy in the valley was the production of honey and wax: Jesuit priests had introduced this activity originally, producing a barrel or one-and-a-half barrels annually. Valley farmers also routinely cultivated wheat and legumes, taro, pumpkin, squash and tiger nuts during this period of settlement. In 1661, the Corregidor André Lopes Pinto e Vasconcellos ordered the landowners in Furnas to plant at least one alqueire of taro in order to stave off malnutrition, provide feed for pigs and later in order to provide a source of export trade. Lupin beans were also important crops during this period, usually planted between October and November, with some variation in order to increase soil nutrients and support standard crops, such as maize, fava beans and wheat. Architecture[edit] Apart from many of the medieval-type local residences, and the modern interpretations of these historic homes, there are other distinct buildings erected within the territory of Furnas: Civic[edit] • Park and Residence of the Murtas (Portuguese: Parque e Casa das Murtas) • Park of Terra Nostra (Portuguese: Parque Terra Nostra) • Thermal Spa of Furnas (Portuguese: Estação termal das Furnas) Religious[edit] Church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria • Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias - located on the margin of Furnas Lake, the funerary chapel was constructed by José do Canto the "gentlemen-farmer" and botanist of São Miguel, to serve as a mausoleum for him and his wife.[11][12] Constructed in a Neo-Gothic style, it is a cathedral writ small, in an isolated location, on property held by the owner. • Hermitage of Santa Ana (Portuguese: Ermida de Santa Ana/Igreja Velha) • Church of Santa Ana (Portuguese: Igreja Paroquial das Furnas/Igreja de Santa Ana) • Church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria (Portuguese: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Alegria) Church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria, Furnas, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. The construction of the temple, nowadays the parish church of Furnas, started in the beginning of the 20th century but was not completed until the 1960s. The church, of Romanesque Revival style belongs to the Diocese of Angra. CHURCH OF SANTA ANA This church was reconstructed after the seismic crisis of the 60’s. It is probably one of the oldest temples of the island; however, there are no references to it before the 17th century. It was built in stone masonry plastered and painted white, while its relevant architectonic and decorative elements are displayed in stonework. We also observe an eyepiece over the main door. The festivity in honour of the patron saint is carried out on the last weekend of July, with a religious and profane programme. On the Monday of Terreiro de Macela, the bodo de leite [local festivity] is carried out, with a performance of the ethnographic group of Beira and songs. •

Caldeiras Vulcanicas Situated in the pretty village of Furnas, Sao Miguel, the Caldeiras Vulcanicas are fun, if a bit smelly, stop on your tour of the Azores. In this article lets take a look at touring the Calderas Vulcanicas, other nearby attractions, and travel tips. Caldeiras Vulcanicas are called “Caldera” in English. A caldera is a really big hole in the ground caused by a volcanic eruption. Calderas are created in several steps. First, magma erupts from deep in the ground. Next, the rocks that used to rest on the magma, suddenly collapse deep into the ground. The rocks are like a roof with no structural support. Once the layer of magma is gone, the entire house collapses. And thus, a caldera is created. Calderas can be enormous or tiny. I visited a big one - the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania. Another famous caldera is located in the Yellowstone National Park. You can even find calderas on the Moon, on Venus and Mars. And of course, you’ll find several small calderas in Furnas, Sao Miguel. If a caldera is relatively fresh, you’ll see smoke originate from it. This smoke is similar to what comes out of a volcano - a mix of water, sulfur gases and carbon dioxide. The smoke comes from elements deep within the earth and it smells terrible. Our ancestors used to believe this is what hell smelled like - and I see their point.

FURNAS MONITORING AND RESEARCH CENTRE The Furnas Monitoring and Research Center (CMIF) was created to disseminate the history and evolution of the Furnas Volcano and the intervention of the Landscape Laboratory in protecting and recovering ecosystems in the protected landscape area. He won the "Premio Internazionale Architettura di Pietra 2011 - XII edizione" and a finalist for the SECIL prize in 2013. It was the cover of the Spanish publication "El Croquis" and a prominent target in some architecture websites. In 2016, he won the "Tour Operator of the Year for Saint Michael" in the "Holiday & Tour Specialist Awards" category of the Luxury Guide Awards. The CMIF functions as an observatory and center of integrated knowledge dissemination, assuming, from the outset, an essential role in translating scientific language into forms of dissemination of knowledge capable of captivating visitors for a better understanding of the particularities of geodiversity, biodiversity, hydrology, and culture. It includes an auditorium for workshops and seminars and a large covered area for exhibitions, which, through interactive mechanisms, accessible tools for users, multimedia platforms, and guided tours, lead visitors to discover the history of the Furnas Volcano, the lagoon ecosystem, and the Landscape Laboratory.

Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (Furnas) Coordinates: 37°45′0.65″N 25°19′50.26″W Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel of Our Lady of Victories Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Lateral view of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Location of the church on the island of São Miguel 37°45′0.65″N 25°19′50.26″W Location São Miguel, Central, Azores Country Portugal Architecture Style Neo-Gothic, Neo-Romanesque Specifications Length 14.19 m (46.6 ft) Width 10.28 m (33.7 ft) The Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (Portuguese: Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias), dedicated to Our Lady of the Victories, a small funerary chapel on the southwestern corner of Lagoa das Furnas in the civil parish of Furnas, on the Azorean island of São Miguel. History[edit] The red brick of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, built on Furnas Lake as the final resting-place for José do Canto and his wife Location of the chapel, on the edge of the Lagoa das Furnas One of the architecturally rich religious temples in the Azores, it was erected by José do Canto, the gentleman-farmer of São Miguel, following the terminal illness of his beloved wife, Maria Guilhermina Taveira Brum do Canto.[1][2] In his testament, dated on 27 June 1862, the rich landowner, wrote: Having, during the great severity of my wife's illness in 1852, vowed to build a small chapel to the invocation of Our Lady of Victories, and not yet having achieved my purpose due to circumstances beyond to my will, I command that you complete the actual building... The plan was executed by the architect André Breton, who he entrusted with the commission in 1864.[1] Breton's project, was influenced directly by the Seminary Church of Angers, followed José do Canto's aspirations and preferences.[1] The hermitage was completed during José do Canto's lifetime, near his summer home on Furnas Lake. It was a small artistic miracle: a Neo-Gothic style chapel that imitated the great gothic cathedrals of Europe, in the rustic green-spaces of the North Atlantic archipelago. The hermitage was constructed in detailed basalt and local tuff by Micalense stonemasons, led by master António de Sousa Redemoinho, of Vila Franca do Campo, who started the project around the middle of the 1870s. It was valued, at the time of its construction, for its beautiful stained-glass windows. By 1882, with the arrival of the pyramid-like spire, the project had come close to completion. It was a cruciform layout, typical of larger Gothic structures in Europe, but a third the size of the original Seminary Church.[1] It was solemnly inaugurated on 15 August 1886, by the property-owner, and written-up by many of the newspapers of the time for its beautiful stained-glass windows depicting the life of the Virgin, and in the chancel an image in jasper. When the owner finally died, he was buried alongside his wife within the chapel, thus fulfilling his original intent. Architecture[edit] The church is situated on a slight elevation of the embankment, oriented towards the length of Furnas Lake, between the water of the lake and a dense forest of the adjacent property. Exterior[edit] Windows of the chapel There are 13 three metre-high arcade windows: two twin windows in the nave, three simple windows in the axial chapel and the rest in the transept between the structural members. These windows were executed by Mégnen, Clamens et Borderau in 1883-1884, based on the instructions of José do Canto.[1] They are encased in steel and protected by a metal mesh screen, and applied by the original producers.[1] The front pavement, in azulejo by Moisseron et L. André, and executed in 1883, are laid in front of the main façade, which is reached by two flights of stairs, with an intermediary pad.[1] The entrance is a triple-arch patio (three directions): the main door, also constructed by Moisseron et L. André, is a bronze-plated wood door with a grating of steel, also installed by Moisseron et L. André.[1] The tower, of four stories, all with long, narrow Roman arches and sculpted capitals, and surmounted by an elegant spire. On top of the belfry, there are four small turrets with conical pinnacles, triangular niches along the spire and a Christian cross at the apex.[1] Interior[edit] Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Interior On the eastern end of its ample transept, is a chapel to Saint Joseph, and an open sacristy along the opposite wall. Within its high ceilings are columns, with sculpted, square capitols, which are duplicated in the square, exterior colonnades that support the structure. The high Gothic Romanesque exterior is complemented by a French-Parisian interior with appropriate liturgical equipment and decorations.[1] The carved and gilded aedicula, serves as a backdrop to the main altar surrounded by marble, that is faithful to the neo-Romanesque style.[1] It is also present in the grid that separates the sanctuary from the body of the Chapel, the simplified organization of the altar of St. Joseph, or the carved marble fonts for holy water.[1] Another is the commitment to recovery of the late Gothic octagonal pulpit of wood, the chapel chairs and carved statuary.[1] The figure of "Saint Joseph and Child" in an imitation of the Gothic style (like its predecessors completed by Moisseron et André Lda.), and the Virgin, in the Romanesque style, are a synthesis of the decorative and ornamental adaptions of the Chapel interior. As is the eclecticism of these artefacts, with the suggestions of Byzantine gold and enamelled bronze light fixtures and stools.[1]

The Terra Nostra Garden There has been a garden in the Furnas Valley for over 200 years. Seen from the top of the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, you can see that the “valley” is actually a crater, seven kilometres in diameter, and the last remains of an apparently long-extinct volcano. The Furnas Valley became popular towards the end of the 18th century, due to the growing interest in the use of mineral water to treat health problems, such as rheumatism and obesity. Furnas has hundreds of small springs and streams, all with different properties. The Terra Nostra Garden is located in the midst of this magnificent water system. 18th century Around 1775, Thomas Hickling, a wealthy merchant from Boston, who became an Honorary American Consul in São Miguel, built a simple wooden summer house, which came to be known as Yankee Hall. In front of the house, there was a pool with an island in the centre, both surrounded by trees that were brought in mainly from North America. An English oak planted by Hickling can still be seen there today. 19th century In 1848, the property was purchased by the Visconde da Praia, who built a new house where Yankee Hall stood. The Viscountess was a keen gardener, and together they enlarged the original two hectares (ha), planting a beautiful garden with water, shady groves and parterres of flowers. There is a memorial to them in the garden, which was erected in 1896 by their son, the Marquis da Praia e Monforte. During the last quarter of the century, the Marquis da Praia made further improvements and written documentation tells us that a British gardener, named Milton, was brought over. Water gardens were built, including a serpentine canal, grottoes and the avenue lined with Australian King palm trees (Arcontophoenix cunninganmiana), leading to the Memorial of the Viscondes, which is surrounded by eight (Phoenix canarienis) Canary islands palm. Many new species were imported from North America, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa; some of these still exist, and dominate certain areas of the garden. The second half of the 19th century marked the peak of gardening in the Azores. Among the many outstanding gardeners of the time were António Borges, José do Canto and José Jácome Correia, who competed with each other to achieve the most beautiful gardens and the best collections of rare species. José do Canto was particularly interested in plants with an economic interest, devising the idea of developing the Azores as a plant acclimatisation centre, accumulating a collection of several thousand species of trees and other plants, including orchids. At least two British gardeners were contracted, P. Wallace and, in 1845, George Brown, who was recommended by the already well-known nursery firm of Whitley and Osborne, in Fulham, London. The latter undertook a series of initiatives, such as the design and construction of Murtas Park (currently the Beatriz do Canto Park, a privately-owned garden), near the Hotel Terra Nostra, which is open to the public in August. 20th century The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the royal visit to the Casa do Parque. In July, 1901, at the invitation of the Marquis da Praia e Monforte, King Carlos I of Portugal, with Queen Dona Amélia, were the special guests at a reception given “by one Monarch to another”, according to the King’s thank you note addressed to his host. By 1920, Terra Nostra was much neglected. In 1935, the Hotel Terra Nostra, which was located on land adjacent to the garden, opened to the public. A few years later, the entire property was acquired by the Terra Nostra Company, which was managed by Vasco Bensaude, also a keen gardener and responsible for employing the Kew-trained Scot, John McInroy, who came to supervise the restoration of the Terra Nostra Garden. An additional tract of land was acquired, extending the garden to its present size of 12.5 ha. The Casa do Parque was completely renovated, the pool, now filled with spring water, was expanded and lined with quarried stone; the canal and lakes were restored, many roadways were cleared and repaired, and new flower beds were planted. The longer avenue leading to the garden’s southern boundary was then built and lined with Gingko Biloba trees, which becomes a rather special feature in December with its remarkable golden hues. In the 1930s, Furnas was already gaining a reputation as a spa resort and a casino was built to entertain the guests of the hotel and local society. The end of the decade and the outbreak of the Second World War saw the beginning of a sharp decline in the number of visitors. The hotel retained its original elegance and Terra Nostra was carefully maintained. The Azores were little known to the outside world, and the only visitors to Furnas were curious or unusually well-informed travellers. With the arrival of the 1970s, the enchantment of the Azores and its luxurious landscapes gradually began to be discovered. In 1989, a new wing was added to the Hotel Terra Nostra, and Filipe Bensaude, son of Vasco Bensaude, decided to renovate the garden. The renovation was entrusted to horticulturist David Sayers who, together with arboriculturist Richard Green, proceeded to renovate the garden, projecting its development into the future. The work was completed in the winter of 1992-93, and a new generation of more than 3,000 species of trees and shrubs were planted to ensure that Terra Nostra Garden would continue to be an exuberant and unique attraction for many years to come.

Today At Terra Nostra, you can find flora typical of the Azores, as well as numerous plants native to countries with climates that are completely different to that of Furnas. This adaptation has been made possible, in part, by the shared experience of Terra Nostra’s gardeners, who have been successful in adapting various plants, species and varieties to the existing conditions of the garden. In a garden which is two hundred years old, along a number of different possible pathways, you can find plants in very different phases of growth. There are hundred-year old trees of the genera Metrosideros and Araucaria, and other important tree species, such as, liriodendron tulipifera, Sequoias sempervirens, Quercus robur, Taxodium ascendens, Taxodium distichum, Eucalyptus globulus, Ginkgo biloba, among others; innumerable shrubs the size of trees, such as rhododendrons, magnolias and camellia; as well as other plants and flowers, particularly azaleas, hydrangeas, Kaffir lilies, calla lilies, of the Araceae family, tree ferns, and countless other species, all of which contribute with their colours, forms and growth to making the garden a fine destination in itself, and wonderful to visit any time of the year. Over the past two decades, the Terra Nostra continued to enrich its botanical value through the acquisition of new plant species. This constant concern to diversify and enrich the existing flora ensures that the garden now possesses large collections and beds with plants of major historical and cultural value. These collections and gardens include the Fern Collection (with nearly 300 different species, varieties and cultivars), the Cycadales Collection (with 85 different species and sub-species), the Camellia Collection (with more than 600 different species and cultivars), the Azorean Endemic and Native Flora Garden (including several examples of the major plants endemic to the island of São Miguel) and, finally, the Vireya Garden - Malaysia Rhododendron, with a display of magnificent colours, all year round. In 2010, a new area adjacent to the garden of endemic and native Azorean plants was built to host the most recent collection - that of the Bromeliads (plants of the Bromeliaceae family). This collection is still in the experimentation phase and the plants are still adapting to the climactic conditions. However, the new garden already has nearly 100 different bromeliads, some of them arranged on the magnificent roots of a few existing trees, commonly known as “Til”, the scientific name of which is Ocotea foetens. New projects are continually being developed in such a way as to ensure the conservation of this unique environment, particularly, the creation of a bamboo garden and an artificial lake to host the Victoria cruziana Orb., a water plant of the Nymphaeaceae family, from northern Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia. This species of plant is a gigantic lily pad, rendered unique and fascinating by the morphology of its leaves (reminiscent of a pie mould), which can grow up to one metre in diameter. The flowers acquire various tones and shapes during their short life cycle, a rare beauty which survives only 48 hours. Today, the Terra Nostra Garden is the site of one of the most remarkable collections of camellias in the world, with more than 600 varieties of different species and cultivars, with one of the largest, if not the largest, collections of Cycladades in Europe. By 2010, the Victoria cruziana could already be seen at Terra Nostra, distinguishing the garden as one of the only ones in Portugal to possess this plant in the open air. The peerless beauty of this garden is the result of the Bensaude family’s taste and the dynamism of the current head gardener, supported in particular by Patrícia and Joaquim Bensaude.

Thanks for sharing. Some excellent shots of the volcano. All bring back memories. I even remember that some thought you and I looked alike. - I think I am better looking 😀😀

Capelo Park Natural Forest Reserve Recreio do Capelo Forest Reserve. Recreio do Capelo Forest Reserve, Traditional house of the Azores. Recreio do Capelo Forest Reserve. The Parque do Capelo Natural Forest Reserve is a recreational forest space located in the parish of Capelo , municipality of Horta , Azores archipelago . This recreational site is located at approximately 100 meters of altitude , practically outside the parish of Capelo. It occupies an area of 96 hectares and is profusely wooded, highlighting a strong abundance and diversity of plants endemic to Macaronesia , typical of the Laurissilva forests . It is properly equipped for picnics and barbecues and can be used for various physical maintenance activities. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It also offers several possibilities for walking routes , which are duly signposted. Some natural caves appear amidst the vegetation , a fact that is related to the existence of ancient volcanic eruptions . Among these, it is worth highlighting the so-called Gruta do Parque do Capelo , which is the largest known, reaching a length of 55.3 m, a maximum width of 5.2 m and a maximum height of 1.6 m. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] Here, and as a demonstration, there are traditional housing structures from the Azores, namely houses made of black basalt ashlar stone . CAPELO PARK In the parish of Capelo, this park is extremely pleasant for its freshness and forestry aesthetics, highlighting the abundance and diversity of plants endemic to Macaronesia. As a recreational space, it is very well equipped with grills and tables suitable for a family picnic. The reserve of small deer, the well-marked walking trail and the natural caves invite physical activity. To learn a little more about Azorean ethnography, we can see in this place a traditional basalt house, with typical furniture and agricultural implements in the “shop” as well as the threshing floor, pigsty, well and toilet, structures that were part of everyday rural life.

Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos Coordinates: 38°35′48.45″N 28°49′34.04″W Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos Farol dos Capelinhos The iconic lighthouse at the tip of Ponta dos Capelinhos and Costa Nau Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap Location Capelo Horta Faial Azores Portugal Coordinates 38°35′48.45″N 28°49′34.04″W Tower Constructed 1894 Construction stone tower Height 20 metres (66 ft) Shape octagonal tower with balcony and lantern rising from a 2-story keeper's house Markings unpainted tower Operator Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos[1] Heritage heritage without legal protection Light First lit 1903 Deactivated 1957 (due to volcano eruption) Focal height 70 metres (230 ft) Lens 500 mm Focal Distance Intensity 1000 W Characteristic Fl W 7 s The Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos (Portuguese: Farol da Ponta dos Capelinhos), or alternately Lighthouse of Capelinhos (Portuguese: Farol dos Capelinhos), is a former beacon/lighthouse located along the coastal peninsula of Ponta dos Capelinhos and Costa Nau, in the civil parish of Capelo, on the island of Faial in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Constructed in the late 19th century, it is an iconic symbol on the island, for the eruption of Capelinhos volcano, which occurred in 1957-58. History[edit] The main tower of the lighthouse constructed in volcanic basalt Work on the lighthouse began on 18 April 1894, but for many years the necessity of constructing a beacon on the tip of Faial had been advocated by navigators, officials and public opinion, who: " complained to the Government that some lights were need along the islands coast to indicate to navigation that crossed these waters their proximity to land, the loss that [might] occur or the choices to make."[2] The number of incidents in this region reached a grande scale by the end of the 19th century, with more traffic, but records went as far back as 1678.[2] In the second half of the 19th century, more specifically 1883 and 1884, presentations had been made the Faialense Sociedade de Geografia (Geographic Society of Portugal) and Municipal Council, presided by João José da Graça, to establish two lighthouses on the island (at Capelinhos and Ribeirinha).[2] Still within this decade, Progressive deputy Miguel António da Silveira received authorization that the construction of the first of these lighthouses would be undertaken, but there were no promises or timelines.[2] What is certain, is that a Lighthouse Commission (Portuguese: Comissão de Faróis) did study the elaboration of an "illumination plan" for the archipelago.[2] But, this commission had gotten bogged-down in the issues of budget, changes in government and lack of political will. In the local newspaper, opinions from the Portuguese marines, José de Almeida de Ávila (brother of the Count of Ávila) and Domingos Tasso de Figuerido were bantered about.[2] These considerations, along with the Lighthouse Commission proposal were presented in May 1892 to the Ministry of Public Works (Portuguese: Ministério das Obras Públicas), and a decision to invest 15 contos de reis was released in April 1894.[2] Elections, on 29 April of the same year, saw Progressive candidates attack the Regenerator plans of José de Almeida de Ávila, stating that "shortly the fiasco of the works on the lighthouse of Capelinhos.[2] After starting the election on 29th day, summer quickly ends the work." Although government candidates were defeated (and José de Almeida de Ávila was forced to resign) the work continued, and the lighthouse eventually inaugurated on 1 August 1903.[2] The work necessary to begin constructing a lighthouse began on 1 April 1894.[3] By July 1903 the edifice was in a state of completion.[3] Capelinhos[edit]

Main article: Capelinhos Between 1957 and 1958 a volcanic eruption caused the abandon of the lighthouse and the destruction of surrounding buildings The main building and tower were buried by ash and rock to the point that today only the second-floor is visible above ground On 10 October 1957, during a period of repairs by the Directorate for Public Works (Portuguese: Direcção das Obras Públicas), for the district of Horta, under the supervision of the Direcção-Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais (DGEMN) and Direcção dos Serviços de Conservação (Portuguese: Directorate for Conservation Services), the director of the Directorate informed by telegraph the suspension of activities due to the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano.[3] The first report by directing engineer of Public Works (Frederico de Menezes Avelino Machado) occurred on 7 November 1957, to the director of the DGEMN, over the impact of the eruption on the lighthouse.[3] Included in the report was a unique moment in the contemporary history of the archipelago:[3] "The eruption at Capelinhos started on 27 September with a small boiling of water at sea some 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) west of the lighthouse. On 29 September, the intensity increased and became highly explosive. The ejecti of ash (sand and powder) reached frequently 800 metres (2,600 ft) and another time reached more than 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). The column of water vapor reached 3 or 4 kilometres (1.9 or 2.5 mi) in height and exceptionally even more. The violence of the eruption continued for a month. The quantity of ash emitted was so great that it formed a small island with 800 metres (2,600 ft) diameter and 100 metres (330 ft) height (above sea level) in an area that where the profundity was 70 metres (230 ft). There fell, near the lighthouse of Capelinhos and Port of Comprido, a few rocks that were about 30 kilograms (66 lb). The cloud was blown by the wind and because of that ash fell some 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the volcanic chimney. This was the aspect more harmful of the eruption. The quantity of ash fell on land dependent on the direction of the wind. When the wind blew strong from the west, on the 6 and 7 October, there was a panic in the settlements of Canto and Norte Pequeno ([civil] parish of Capelo) which lie about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the volcano. The populations were evacuated. In virtue of the dust scattered in the air (which increased greatly the condensation of the water droplets) the rainfall in the region increased by more the twice the normal, passing from 70 millimetres (2.8 in) to more than 700 millimetres (28 in) per month. The torrential rainfall that fell was another disastrous factor in the region. On 29 October the small island became submerged and it appeared that the activity had terminated. But within the following days it continued, it is unclear whether the activity will return and attain the anterior violence...The rocks expelled by the volcano fell on the buildings of the lighthouse of Capelinhos, puncturing the tile and pavements and breaking glass, sanitary wares and some furniture. The lighthouse had to be closed during the eruption and the personnel evacuated. The work that was in course was, therefore, suspended. The ash and rainfall seaped into the holes in the roof and windows and accumulated in almost all the rooms, damaging the interior floors and paintings. The exterior courtyard was, also, littered with more than 1 metre (3.3 ft) of sand."[3] This description was also accompanied by a photographic journal with regists, captions and dated, to illustrate the more important moments of the event between September and November 1957.[3] Owing to the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano the lighthouse ceased to operate on 29 November 1957.[2][3] On 30 April 1958, a new report by Frederico de Menezes Avelino Machado, accompanied by seven photographic entries, in which he described what had occurred since the last report:[3] "Since the volcanic activity decreased in November and December, the main breakdowns [onsite] were repaired by the Directorate for Lighthouses and in part by the Direcção-Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais, who executed emergency repairs to the tune of 49.611$50 [Portuguese escudo|escudos] to the buildings in order to resist the inclement weather caused by the eruption that persisted for months. In January ashed fell again and (from the Direcção de Obras Públicas) funds were realized (20 contos) to maintain the roofs clean, of which 11.109$00 were spent...In February and March, the eruption had an unexpected development. The crater, that was about 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the lighthouse, do farol) shifted to a point 500 metres (1,600 ft) closer, the consequence of the rocks, with weights of between 10-300 kilograms (22-661 lb), and which fell in great abundance, that the roof cleaning work was quickly suspended. Many the rocks damaged the buildings, piercing the fibrocement roof. Ash also fell in great abundance...In one night (23-24 March) a 1.9 metres (6.2 ft) layer of ash fell, corresponding to a load of 2,000 kilograms per cubic metre (120 lb/cu ft). The roofs of the residences fell in and the reinforced concrete slab in the machine building was ruined. There is actually in the lighthouse courtyard ash with a layer of 7 metres (23 ft) approximately and this number continues to increase. It was possible with funds received to remove furniture and machinery (work that was completed by personnel from the lighthouse)...In wake of what has occurred, it appears that no further funds should be spent on the lighthouse until the eruption ends. The tower still maintains itself in reasonable conditions, but the volcanic cone, [now] actually 150 metres (490 ft) is increasing a lot, that maybe we will need to review the future location of the lightouse."[3]

Capelinhos Coordinates: 38.601°N 28.834°W Capelinhos Highest point Elevation 501 m (1,644 ft) Coordinates 38.601°N 28.834°W Geography Location Faial Island, Azores Parent range Capelo Volcanic Complex Geology Age of rock between September 27, 1957 (age 65) and October 24, 1958 (age 64) Mountain type • Surtseyan (from 27 September 1957 to 13 May 1958) • Strombolian (from 14 May 1958 to 24 October 1958) Last eruption 1957 to 1958 The Capelinhos (from Capelo + -inhos diminutive, which literally means "little cape") is a monogenetic volcano located on the western coast of Faial Island in the Azores. It is part of the larger volcanic complex of Capelo, which includes 20 scoria cones and lava fields that are aligned west-northwest to east-southeast from the Caldeira Volcano caldera. Although the name "Capelinhos" is associated with the volcano, it technically refers to the western cape of the parish of Capelo. It can be considered the westernmost point of Europe; there are more westerly islands in the Azores archipelago but they lie on the North American Plate. A volcanic eruption lasted for 13 months, from September 27, 1957 until October 24, 1958, which may have been two overlapping volcanic eruptions. While enlarging the land by 2.4 km², it spawned 300 seismic events, hurled ash 1 km, destroyed 300 houses in the parishes of Capelo and Praia do Norte and caused the evacuation of 2,000 people (emigration to the US and Canada). On October 25, the volcano entered a period of dormancy. It is a part of an active fissural volcanic complex which creates multiple seismic and volcanic events. Geography and ecology[edit] Capelinhos is located along the Capelo Volcanic Complex, that comprises a western area of fissural volcanism and historical eruptions leading away from the Cabeço do Fogo. The events that began in 1957 were an extension of the volcanic activity that abruptly ended at Costado da Nau, the escarpment at Ponta dos Capelinhos. Similar to the Horta Platform, the peninsula is consistent with the shapes and products resulting from Surtseyan, Strombolian and Hawaiian volcanic types. The formation is composed primarily of basaltic rocks, although, less frequently, Hawaiian hawaiitic rocks are observed. Capelinhos is classified a Surtseyan eruption, since it was formed in the relatively shallow coast of the Faial seamount. However, Victor Hugo Forjaz [pt], a volcanologist and full professor at the University of the Azores, defends that the type of eruption should have been designated as Capelinian as it pre-dates the eruption of Surtsey by five years and was studied both by Portuguese and foreign scientists.[1] Located at Cabeço Norte, a volcanic vent releases water vapour with temperatures between 180 °C and 200 °C from the volcano complex. The geographer Christophe Neff is carrying field studies on the pioneer vegetation in the Capelinhos area since 1999.[2] In a recently published paper in "Finisterra" he wrote in the English abstract of the paper "Fifty years after the Capelinhos eruption we cannot find any tree or bushes on the volcano.[3] IUGS geological heritage site[edit] In respect of its importance in enhancing understanding of submarine volcanoes, Capelhinos was included by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) in its assemblage of 100 'geological heritage sites' around the world in a listing published in October 2022.[4] History[edit]

Capelinhos Volcano, Faial Island, Azores, showing the lighthouse which marked the western coastal limit of Ponta dos Capelinhos The Capelinhos eruption represented the first time that a submarine eruption was documented from beginning to end. Its location near an inhabited island with good communications meant it could be intensively studied. The first activities during the eruption were identified by engineer Frederico Machado, the Director of the District Public Works Department, his assistant engineer João do Nascimento and surveyor António Denis, under the authorization of the Civil Governor, Freitas Pimentel. The Director of the Observatory in Angra, Lieutenant-Colonel José Agostinho overflew the area, and Bernado Almada (at the Prince Albert of Monaco Observatory, in Horta) sent several bulletins relating the increased seismic activity of the area. Between September 16 and 27, 1957, 200 earthquakes of intensity V (Moderate) on the Mercalli scale were registered.[5] On September 23, the ocean waters off the coast of Ponte dos Capelinhos began to boil, and the first vapours were witnessed around 6:30 a.m. one kilometre northwest of the lighthouse.[5] A constant tremor could be sensed, at times reaching a Level IV on the Mercalli scale (MM-31).[5] Three days later, the activity increased; black ash (to about 1400 m) and water vapour (to about 4000 m) rose west of the two ilhéus (English: islets) off the coast. On September 27, beginning at about 6:45 in the morning, a submarine eruption, 300 m from Ponta dos Capelinhos (100 m from the Ilhéus dos Capelinhos) began. Whale spotters at Costado da Nau, a few meters above the Capelinhos lighthouse, saw the ocean churning to the west and alerted the lighthouse keepers. On October 5: "...the clouds of clay likely rose about one kilometre in height and solid fragments...reaching an area of 1200 metres around..."[5] The buildings in the area began to experience the first damages: windows were broken, tiles fell from the roofs. By the next day, the first ash-fall began on land; "in a few hours a black mat covered the extreme West of island...",[5] reaching 2.5 kilometres from the crater, necessitating the evacuation of the settlements of Norte Pequeno and Canto.[5] Initially, gases and pyroclastic explosions persisted until October 13, while gradually diminishing, but were rapidly replaced by violent explosions, lava bombs, ash and lava streaming into the sea. This intense eruption occurred until the end of October with constant ash raining on Faial, destroying cultural lands, inhibiting normal farming and forcing the residents from local villages to evacuate. By October 10, the eruption had initially formed a small island, baptized Ilha Nova (English: the New Island), Ilha dos Capelinhos (English: Island of Capelinhos) or Ilha do Espírito Santo (English: Island of the Holy Spirit) by the locals, 600 meter diameter and 30 meter height with an open crater to the sea. By October 29, the island grew to 99 meters high and 800 meters in diameter of coarse black ash. By the end of the first phase of the eruption, three reporters, Carlos Tudela and Vasco Hogan Teves from public television Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP), journalist Urbano Carrasco (from the newspaper Diário Popular) and boat pilot Carlos Raulino Peixoto risked their lives by traveling to the Ilha Nova. Arriving on the island, they planted a Portuguese flag, before hurriedly leaving. The New Island had disappeared into the sea by 30 October. The lighthouse at Capelinhos. On November 4, 1957 a second volcanic event occurred rapidly, forming a second island, and by 12 November 1957 an isthmus had formed linking it with Faial. Explosions and ejecta increased progressively, reaching a climax by 15 December when a second cone was formed.[6] Following a night of torrential rains and ash (on or about 16 November) the explosive activity ceased, and an effusive lava phase began with more ash and explosive rock. By then the largest eruptive column had reached 1450 metres into the air, carrying with it ash from the northwest for a distance of 20 kilometres (6 December).[6] A final pause began on 29 December. Between January and April 1958, new showers of ash and accompanying water vapour (both white and darkened) persisted, and the two Ilhéus off the coast of Ponte dos Capelinhos had disappeared under the sand and ash. During this period the cinder cone and isthmus became an integral part of the island of Faial, destroying the roofs of the local buildings and infilling the space to the lighthouse. From May 12-18, 450 seismic events were recorded as the volcano moved into a Strombolian phase, emitting projectiles 500 m into the air, causing moderate explosions and accompanied by infra-sonic waves that shook doors and windows on the island and some adjacent islands. This final phase lasted several months: the last lava currents were visible on 21 October, and the last projectiles were reported on 24 October. During this final stage (around 14 May), fumaroles were discovered inside Faial's caldera, that began emitting sulfurous water vapor, boiling clay and mud. Although one person nearly fell into the Capelinhos crater, there were no deaths from the eruption; generally, ash deposits and some projectiles caused the destruction of homes and the blanketing of agricultural lands in the parishes of Capelo and Praia do Norte. A report presented on 15 January 1958 indicated that 164 families had been affected by the eruption.[6] Due to the close relationship between Portugal and the United States, refugees from the beleaguered parishes emigrated. The Azorean Refugee Act (September 2, 1958), authorized the emigration of 1,500 people and was sponsored by Democratic Congressmen John O. Pastore of Rhode Island, and a young Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts. In addition to many families from the area of Capelo, other citizens of the Azores benefited from these temporary measures. This resulted in a 50% decrease of the resident population of Capelo, and contributed to an increased standard of living, greater working opportunities and some improvements in base incomes. Tourism[edit] Main article: Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos The volcano is a landmark on Faial; its ruined lighthouse and Visitors Center (which lies along the cliff from the volcano) is a tourist destination. A trail network runs from the Visitors Center and lighthouse to the caldera summit. On September 27, 2007, commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the eruption and its effects on the island's history and people were broadcast in Portugal and throughout the Azorean diaspora. showcasing each of the Azores island's uniqueness

Coordinates: 37°49′21″N 25°31′5″W Ribeira Grande Municipality Ribeira Grande Municipality Flag Coat of arms Location of the municipality of Ribeira Grande in the archipelago of the Azores Coordinates: 37°49′21″N 25°31′5″W Country Portugal Auton. region Azores Island São Miguel Established Settlement: c. 1507 Parishes 14 Government • President Alexandre Gaudêncio Area • Total 180.15 km2 (69.56 sq mi) Elevation 36 m (118 ft) Population (2011) • Total 32,112 • Density 180/km2 (460/sq mi) Time zone UTC−01:00 (AZOT) • Summer (DST) UTC±00:00 (AZOST) Postal code 9600-509 Area code 292 Patron Nossa Senhora da Estrela Local holiday 29 June Website www.cm-ribeiragrande.pt Ribeira Grande (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʁiˈβɐjɾɐ ˈɣɾɐ̃dɨ] ⓘ) is a municipality in the northern part of the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 32,112,[1] in an area of 180.15 km2.[2] The municipal seat is located in the civil parish of Matriz, with a population of about 4000 inhabitants, part of the urbanized core of what is commonly referred to as the city of Ribeira Grande (six civil parishes, about 10000 inhabitants).[3] History[edit] A view of the Port of Santa Iria, once the primary, and distant, waypoint for northern commerce Vista of the interior of Ribeira Grande looking southeast towards the Água de Pau mountain world The first settlers arrived on the island by the end of the second quarter of the 15th century.[4] The expansion of settlement occurred after initiatives by the island's third donatary captain, Rui Gonçalves da Câmara (son of João Gonçalves Zarco, resulting in northern colonies from peoples from Madeira.[4] Although the early settlement of Ribeira Grande is mired in murkiness owing to the lack of resources, the best sources indicate that settlement began in the late-15th or early-16th centuries. The first settlers to this region are to the northern part of the island by the end of the 15th century.[5][6] On arriving, these colonists established their settlement along the ravine, which they eventually named after the river course: Ribeira Grande.[5] What is certain is that before 1507, in the urban areas of today's Ribeira Grande, there were already colonists of a "certain social stature" living and raising cattle. One of these was Antão Rodrigues da Câmara, the bastard son Rui Gonçalves da Câmara, donatary-captain of São Miguel. His parentage was legitimized on 6 January 1499, and his property (situated in Ribeirinha) was described as an estate, with lands of woodlands, pasture and waters, with houses supported by granaries, haylofts, pastel engine, vineyards and orchards, received as part of his morgadia dated 17 April 1508.[7][8][9] The construction of the isolated Port of Santo Iria began at the beginning of the 16th century.[4] Even before being raised to the status of town (at the beginning of the 17th century), the population had already grown dramatically. This was recorded in a 1507 accord that established a master builder for the new church, assumed to be the parochial church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela. The elevation of Ponta Delgada to "town" in 1499, must have influenced the resident nobles of Ribeira Grande, who moved to have the same authority established for their burgh. Although the people involved were unfamiliar, Gaspar Frutuoso indicated that King Manuel I conceded to the locality of Ribeira Grande the privilege of town on 4 August 1507,[4][10] that included a league around the centre, counted from the [central] pillory, comprising one parish (called Nossa Senhora da Purificação or Nossa Senhora da Estrela).[4] It was Lopo Arês who brought the signed document from Lisbon, when he returned in 1508. On 3 April 1508, then donatary captain, Rui Gonçalves da Câmara, oversaw the swearing in of Jorge da Mota (ordinary judge of Vila Franca do Campo) and João do Penedo and António Carneiro, noblemen of Ribeira Grande, to select twelve residents to vote on the six elected officials for the new town. It was this process that eventually elected the first municipal council, that served until 24 June 1509. Writing at the beginning of the 15th century, Gaspar Frutuoso wrote about the settlement, in these terms: "The town of Ribeira Grande, noble by its residents, rich in its lands, well shaded with its fields and fertile with its fruits, is situated in and around its great ravine, from which it received its name, almost in the middle of the island, in a large bay in a band of the north, at the feet of a sierra very fresh [that is near its plain, is a thing highlights the other, making its grouply more gracious then other towns]; and the ravine cuts the town in two parts, of a small time, because until the year one thousand and fifty-five there was no bridge to the western part to more than two houses only. But, later after much growth, that it is today the largest town, richer and more people then there are in all the Bishopric of Angra. Before it was suffragate of Vila Franco do Campo, until the King Dom Manuel, explain on his pillory for all parts around."[5][6]

Ribeira Grande, Azores Settlers continued to be sent to the area of Ribeira Grande, by Lopo de Ares, owing to the location's access to water and the pre-existing colonists that already provided land rents.[5] Since it was located far from the provincial capital of Vila Franca, the town was elevated to the status of town by King Manuel in 1507.[5] Until 1515, the western margin of the Ribeira Grande river was occupied by just two homes. A few years later, from a land record of 4 July 1520,[4] there was a contract for stone to build a bridge alongside the main square, awarded to Fernão Álvares.[4] Budgeted for 400.000 reais, the completed bridge was described as having one large arch with a 12 côvados span, equivalent to 7.94 metres (26.0 ft) span, and width of 22 palms, equivalent to 444 centimetres (175 in), built of the best stonework that was found around the town, and well worked.[11] From 1536, the monastery of Jesus was founded,[4] in order to shelter the youth of wealthy governing families, resulting in the appearance of the toponymy Rua das Freiras and Largo das Freiras. This was a reflection of the growth of the settlement, which continued to expand regularly; in 1515 there were 200 homes; the parish of Nossa Senhora da Estrela had 800 by 1576 (on this date there were 1018 homes and 3534 souls in the municipality; and 1237 homes by 1593, with indications that the population of the municipality rounded 5000 inhabitants by this time. The growth of the demographics of the municipality necessitated that the ecclesiastical administration create new parishes, resulting in the creation of the parishes of São Pedro (in Ribeira Seca) by 1577 by bishop D. Gaspar de Faria.[12] Since its formation the town employed a arruador, who was responsible for "designing" the grounds and roads and houses that were made. Pêro Teixeira, who died in 1555, was the first, and was succeeded on 9 February by his successor.[13] At the time of Pêro Teixeira's death town records point to the existence of various roadways established under his authority: Ruas de João do Outeiro, Rua da Conceição, Rua de Lourenço Gonçalves, Rua da Bica, Rua do Santo Espírito, Rua de Francisco Gonçalves Cheira-Dinheiro, Rua das Pedras, Rua do Rosário, Rua de João da Horta and references to the cobble-stoning other roads. A large part of these roads continue in the current toponymy of the town.[14] Similarly, the a clock was established in the tower of the church in 1555[15] and in 1578, a bell was installed in the municipal palace tower and a new butcher appeared, attesting to the development of the urban metropolo. In other parts of the municipality, such as Rabo de Peixe, its primitive parochial church was substituted by a larger three-nave structure, that presented an ornate painting of St. Peter attributed to Vasco Fernandes (1480-1543). Between 1612 and 1626, the Convent of São Francisco was constructed, reflecting the importance of the northern community.[4] This growth mandated the reorganization of the island, resulting in the division of São Miguel into three municipalities: Ponta Delgada, Vila Franca do Campo and Ribeira Grande.[4] The aspiration to obtain the status of city began in 1852; plans for the future city were then constituted by the parishes of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (today Matriz) and Nossa Senhora da Conceição (the actual Conceição).[16] But, nothing ever became of this project.[17] During the intervening years the continuous growth and expansion of the burgh continued: this resulted in the construction of the Church of the Misericórdia (18th century); and need to construct a new link across the main ravine. It was during the 19th century, that the bridge of eight arcs (Portuguese: Ponte de Oito Arcos) was completed, to complement the old one arch bridge at the main square.[4] Further expansion of the road network continued: the Rua das Pedras (today the Rua Sousa e Silva) was open, as was the Avenida Camões and the new access to the port of Santa Iria was inaugurated.[4] It was only on 29 June 1981 that the municipal centre obtained the status of city.[4] Geography[edit] Physical geography[edit] A view of the interior plateau of Ribeira Grande, showing the volcanic spatter cones The municipality is one of the six that constitute the island of São Miguel. It occupies most of the northern section of the island, from the Atlantic coast to the volcanic mountains in the center of the island. It is the only municipality on São Miguel to share boundaries with all five other municipalities: it is bounded by Nordeste (east), Povoação (southeast), Ponta Delgada (west), Lagoa and Vila Franca do Campo (south). All the municipalities are linked by several regional roads that circle the island or cross the mountains in the central section. The relief is dominated by the Serra de Água de Pau, which includes a caldeira occupied by the Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire). The highest elevation is Pico da Barrosa at 947 metres (3,107 ft) (overlooking Lagoa do Fogo) or Monte Escuro at 890 metres (2,920 ft); this volcanic massif also extends to the plateau of Graminhais, by the eastern border with Nordeste, where the Pico do Salto do Cavalo 954 metres (3,130 ft) has a well known lookout. The volcanic geology, associated to the occurrence of many springs in the foothills, have been responsible for the fast creeks flowing in deep ravines, one of which gave its name to the town. Other volcanic manifestations in the area are fumaroles, such as Caldeira Velha or Caldeiras, and mineral hot springs at Lombadas, Gramas and Ladeira da Velha. In addition to the river valleys and mountains, there are several beaches, including the main beaches in Ribeira Grande (Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde), Moinhos Beach (at Porto Formoso) and Viola Beach (in the shadow of Lomba da Maia).