Santiago Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Ponta Delgada > Sete Cidades > Cerrado das Freiras

Location

Lagoa de Santiago is situated on São Miguel Island, Azores, within the parish of Sete Cidades, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. Located in the Cerrado das Freiras area, approximately 334 meters above sea level, it offers a serene perspective over the natural surroundings of Serra Devassa, an integral part of the imposing Sete Cidades Massif.

Origin and Dimensions

This lagoon, with its predominantly greenish waters, is a natural mirror formed at the bottom of a volcanic crater. A result of the millennial geological activity of the Sete Cidades Massif, its basin is deep, reaching about 29 meters. Lagoa de Santiago stretches approximately 700 meters in length and 475 meters in width, revealing the grandeur of the volcanic landscape that shaped it.

Natural Environment

Surrounded by dense vegetation, the landscape of Lagoa de Santiago is marked by a harmony of green tones. Native forests of the Macaronesia region, with examples like laurel and holly, predominate, mixed with cryptomeria plantations. This vegetation cover gives the place an atmosphere of tranquility and contributes to the captivating beauty of the lagoon. The scenery is also a refuge for various bird species, which can be observed in the stillness of its banks.

A Name with History

The name "Santiago" attributed to this lagoon holds a historical curiosity, as recorded by the Azorean chronicler Gaspar Frutuoso in the 16th century. It is mentioned that the depth and concavity of the lagoon, being so remarkable, led observers to exclaim "Santiago!", an invocation common in moments of great surprise, admiration, or even some apprehension when faced with the imposing nature. This verbal tradition took root, giving the lagoon its singular name.

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