Nuns' Square

Category: Nature > Park

District: Açores > Ribeira Grande > Ribeira Grande > Matriz

Location:

Located in the parish of Matriz, in Ribeira Grande, Largo das Freiras is situated in a central urban area of the city. It is a easily accessible space, harmoniously integrated into the local daily life, inviting a moment of pause and observation of the life of the Azorean city.

Historical Heritage:

The name Largo das Freiras (Sisters' Square) refers to its deep connection with the Monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus, an important convent that once existed here. Founded in ancient times, this monastery was a landmark in the religious and social life of Ribeira Grande, although it suffered significant destruction in the earthquake of 1563. After this event, it was rebuilt, and its presence shaped the identity of this place over the centuries. Remnants of its history can still be observed, such as a section of the old aqueduct that supplied water to the nuns, known as the "muro de água das freiras" (sisters' water wall).

A Renovated Space:

Recently subject to a careful requalification, Largo das Freiras has been transformed into a welcoming space for conviviality and leisure. The intervention brought more green areas, inviting rest and enjoyment of the environment. One of the most distinctive elements of this renovation is the installation of the old tank with a fountain, which once adorned Hintze Ribeiro Square, and which now stands as a central and evocative point of this renovated square. The flooring, a mix of basalt and limestone, contributes to the natural and integrated aesthetic of the place.

Meeting Point and Culture:

Largo das Freiras today serves as a vibrant meeting point for the population, a space where daily life unfolds in a tranquil atmosphere. Its ambiance is enriched by the presence of the Daniel de Sá Municipal Library, which occupies an 18th-century building of considerable historical value in the square itself. This cultural space invites reading and reflection, contributing to the dynamism and unique character of the area, making the Largo a place not only for passing through, but for staying and absorbing the city's cultural life.

The Legend of the Peak:

Associated with Largo das Freiras, there is a popular legend that links the nuns of the former convent to a prominent natural element in the landscape. It is told that, during a period of strong earthquakes, the nuns organized a procession and, upon placing a cross on the ground, caused a large mound that was advancing on the city to stop. This mound, now known as Pico das Freiras (Sisters' Peak), gained its name from this ancient narrative, enriching the local imagination and highlighting the historical and symbolic connection of the nuns to the region.

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