Machado Fagundes Volcano-Speleological Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > Angra do Heroísmo

Location:

The museum is located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Associação Os Montanheiros, at Rua da Rocha nº 8, in the center of Angra do Heroísmo. The urban surroundings are characterized by cobblestone pavements and traditional facades that reflect the historic layout of the city.

In the vicinity, there are vestiges of the ancient walls and a close view of the bay. It is a point accessible on foot from the historic center, where the narrow streets invite for a stroll.

Origin and Evolution:

The collection originated in the late 1960s, when Os Montanheiros began to bring samples of volcanic cavities to light. These first pieces, rudimentarily arranged on shelves, motivated the creation of a space dedicated to geological dissemination.

In the 1980s, a "museum room" was designed, named in honor of Machado Fagundes, a pivotal member. Expansion works followed in the 1990s, and a renovation in 2019 enlarged the exhibition areas and modernized the displays.

Geological Collection:

The display cases exhibit a variety of rocks and minerals illustrative of the volcanic genesis of the Azores, accompanied by lava fragments and fossils. Noteworthy are three-dimensional models of six islands of the archipelago and a xylotheque with examples of petrified tree trunks.

The interior features tables with topographic models and directed lighting, allowing for detailed appreciation of each sample. Before the self-guided visit, a brief introductory note is provided, clarifying the origin of the exhibited materials.

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