Furnas Boilers

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Açores > Povoação > Furnas > Caldeiras das Furnas

Location

The Furnas Caldeiras are located in the picturesque village of Furnas, in the municipality of Povoação, on the island of São Miguel. This unique location is integrated into the urban fabric of the village, allowing visitors direct contact with the geothermal manifestations that characterize the area.

The main fumarolic field is situated in the heart of the village itself, while a second area of intense volcanic activity can be observed next to Furnas Lake, a little further from the residential center. Its position in the valley offers a close view of the island's natural vitality.

Geothermal Manifestations

The Furnas Caldeiras are one of the most vivid testimonies of the intense volcanic activity that shaped the island of São Miguel. Here, the earth expresses its energy through fumaroles, where dense columns of steam emerge noisily, and through mud pots that bubble incessantly.

This phenomenon results from the interaction between rainwater, which accumulates in the ancient craters of the dormant volcano, and the heat emitted by the magma in the depths. The water reaches very high temperatures, creating an impressive natural spectacle. The environment is filled with a characteristic smell of sulfur, which accompanies this unique landscape and contributes to the sensory experience of visitors.

The Tradition of Cozido das Furnas

One of the most distinctive and culturally rich aspects of the Furnas Caldeiras is its connection to local gastronomy. It is in this volcanic soil, heated by the earth itself, that the famous Cozido das Furnas is prepared, a dish that has become an icon of Azorean cuisine.

Large pots, filled with a variety of meats and vegetables, are carefully buried in holes dug in the ground. The natural and constant heat of the subsoil cooks the ingredients slowly for several hours. This unique cooking method gives the cozido a peculiar flavor and an unmistakable texture, a result of centuries-old tradition that harnesses the island's geothermal energy.

Water Springs and Local Legends

In addition to the imposing fumaroles and boiling mud pots, the Furnas Caldeiras are also home to a variety of water springs. Each of these springs has distinct mineral characteristics and temperatures, some of which are cold and carbonated, while others reach high temperatures.

Over the years, many of these waters have been valued for their properties, with popular beliefs about their benefits. It is in this context that the legend of Caldeira Pêro Botelho arises, one of the best-known fumaroles. It is said that a man with that name fell into this caldeira and his cries still echo, accompanied by the smoke and stones that emerge, giving rise to the popular name "Hell's Mouth."

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt