Angra do Heroísmo, the historic capital of the Azores and the first Portuguese city to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers its visitors a journey back in time. The city is a living testament to its strategic importance in the Atlantic, being a crucial stopover port during the Age of Discoveries and a central point on maritime trade routes.
Angra's streets, laid out in a grid pattern, reveal vibrant architecture. Colorful facades, elaborate wrought-iron balconies, and Manueline and Baroque details adorn historic buildings that tell centuries of history.
Places of Interest in Angra do Heroísmo
One of the emblematic points is Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano that rises above the city, forming a peninsula. From Monte Brasil, where the imposing São João Baptista Castle, walls that once defended Angra, is also located, it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and the city's rooftops.
Strolling through the historic center allows you to discover the Sé Cathedral, one of the oldest temples in the Azores, and the Palace of the Captains-General, with its imposing architecture and tranquil gardens. The Duke of Terceira Garden invites rest and contemplation, with its botanical diversity and viewpoints that reveal unique perspectives of the city.
Angra do Heroísmo maintains a rich cultural atmosphere, visible in its traditions and the daily lives of its inhabitants, who proudly preserve their historical legacy and Azorean identity.