Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Açores > Horta > Capelo
Casa dos Botes (The Boat House) is located on Faial Island, specifically in the locality of Capelo, within the coastal area of Varadouro. Situated in the historic Porto do Comprido, a strategic point once connected to the island's maritime activities, its position offers a privileged perspective over the Atlantic, framed by the robust and dramatic landscape of Faial's western coast.
This unique building, dating back to 1947, boasts a rich history linked to whaling activities in the Azores. Casa dos Botes originally served as a vital annex to the old Porto Pim Whaling Factory. Its main purpose was to shelter and store the boats used in the dangerous and essential sperm whale hunt, a practice that profoundly marked the life and economy of these islands.
The structure of Casa dos Botes stands out for its authenticity and the careful preservation of its original features. Following a restoration process completed in 2011, the building maintains its robust construction in basalt stone, an endogenous material that gives it an intrinsic connection to Faial's volcanic landscape. This architectural approach not only respects the heritage value of the property but also harmoniously integrates it into the natural surroundings.
Inside Casa dos Botes, visitors discover a fundamental part of Azorean identity. The space houses a genuine whaling boat, allowing for a detailed observation of these imposing vessels, once protagonists at sea. A dedicated exhibition invites immersion into the daily life of whalers, revealing the demands, dangers, and bravery associated with one of the most heroic and economically significant crafts in the tradition of Azorean families and the island's industry.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5929387,-28.8256859
Coordinates DMS: 38°35'34.6"N 28°49'32.5"W
Weather Capelo
On-duty Pharmacy Capelo
