The Azores islands, surrounded by the fresh waters of the Atlantic Ocean, are a true tropical paradise in Europe: administratively they represent one of the autonomous regions of Portugal, but it almost seems like going to the other side of the world. One of the most beautiful places to explore is definitely Ponta Delgada, the capital located on the island of São Miguel. Let’s discover its history and the best attractions to visit.
Where is Ponta Delgada
Have you ever visited the Azores islands? The archipelago of volcanic origin is located in the heart ofAtlantic Ocean and constitutes one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. It is made up of nine main islands and some smaller islets: one of the best known is that of São Miguel, where the capital of the Azores is located. We’re talking about the city of Ponta Delgadawhich today houses the executive section of the local authority (the legislative and judicial sections are respectively divided between Horta and Angra do Heroísmo).
The city, which It has almost 70 thousand inhabitants, is located along the southern coast of the island of São Miguel, in a highly evocative natural panorama. The territory is predominantly volcanic, characterized by rugged basalt rocks originating from the nearby areas of Monte Picos and the Sete Cidades massif – the latter containing a still active volcano. Ponta Delgada is a town with a mild climate, due to the presence of the Gulf Stream which allows it to experience an eternal spring, with however quite unstable weather in the intermediate seasons. Summer therefore remains the ideal time to visit it.
Ponta Delgada, history
The origin of the city of Ponta Delgada is not very certain: the inhabited center was born around 1450, when Pêro de Teive founded a small fishing village inside a protected inlet on the island of São Miguel. At the time, the latter was characterized by numerous scattered settlements which, over time, joined together and began to grow. We therefore do not know precisely when Ponta Delgada took on the features of a real city. What is certain, however, is that during that period Vila Franca di Campo – located along the central-southern coast of the island – was the largest inhabited center.
The city of Vila Franca, the most economically flourishing, then came chosen as the capital of the archipelago. But in 1552 a violent earthquake shook the earth and caused a devastating landslide, which destroyed a large part of the town and caused around 5,000 victims. The Portuguese were thus forced to move the capital to the city of Ponta Delgada, which at that time was becoming increasingly larger and economically important, turning into main port of the island (and the entire archipelago).
Over the following centuries, Ponta Delgada experienced notable development on all fronts. From an economic point of view, it became increasingly important thanks to theexport of citrus fruits towards the United Kingdom and the opening of businesses by Jewish merchants in the historic centre. The 19th century was its most prosperous period, with particular attention also paid to the livability of the city and the “greening” of the community. Ponta Delgada thus became the third city in Portugal in terms of number of residents and wealth: its importance is still relevant today, despite the inevitable decline in the agricultural and rural sector. This is also thanks to tourism, given that the city is one of the most visited in the Azores archipelago.
The most beautiful attractions of Ponta Delgada
The city of Ponta Delgada really delivers Lots of attractions to visit: it is a place where you can feel the true Portuguese atmosphere, and which will undoubtedly leave you enchanted. The first stop can only be the majestic Portas da Cidade, three arches made of basalt stone which were built towards the end of the 18th century, originally located near the old port – and only later moved to their current position. From here we get to Church of São Sebastiãothe main parish church of the city characterized by black basalt stones and a splendid Torre do Relógio, which soars towards the sky.
Entering the streets of the city, you can admire the authentic atmosphere of Ponta Delgado: here one follows craft shops, some still inspired by local tradition, and pastry bars where you can taste many typical delicacies. It is ideal for those who want to take a short break after exploring the city far and wide. Not far away is the town hall, the Câmara Municipal de Ponta Delgada, flanked by the imposing Sineira Tower. The latter houses a spiral staircase with 106 steps, at the end of which you reach the top of the bell tower and can admire a breathtaking view of the entire town centre.
Among the most visited monuments there is the Convent and the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, a monastic complex dating back to the 16th century and still inhabited today by the nuns of the Order of São Francisco. Inside, there are several beautiful works of art to visit, including the treasury of Our Lord Christ of Miracles. The entire chapel is a real gem, consisting of gold carvings and beautiful Portuguese-style tiles dating back to the 18th century. For those who love greenery, you can’t help but discover the Augusto Arruda pineapple plantation: access is free and you can immerse yourself among the crops.
No less fascinating is theJosé do Canto botanical garden, established during the 19th century by the man who was for a long time the richest man on the island – and whose name the garden bears. Since its creation, the green area has hosted more than 6,000 botanical species: today, unfortunately, it is no longer as rich as it once was, but it still retains some precious collections of exotic plants and several notable specimens from all corners of the world, such as the eucalyptus of Australia, the camphor trees of Japan, and the magnolias of North America.
Finally, to discover the most authentic face of Ponta Delgada you have to stroll along its seafront: between bars and restaurants where you can stop and rest, you are truly spoiled for choice. The Oceânica swimming pool is very beautiful, where you can take a dip while admiring the ocean. While a short distance from the port is the Forte de São Brás, the largest fortress located on the island of São Miguel, which houses the Military Museum of the Azores. For the more adventurous, a boat trip turns out to be a splendid opportunity to go whale watching and admire the giants of the sea.
