Sea Gate

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Velas > Velas

Location

The Sea Gate is located in the town of Velas, directly on the quay, the main maritime entrance to this village on the island of São Jorge. Its strategic position, by the water, allows observers to enjoy the proximity of the port, a place of constant movement and connection with the other islands. This gate marks the transition between the terrestrial environment of the village and the dynamic space of the sea, offering a unique perspective on port activity and the surrounding coastal landscape.

Legacy of Protection

Built between 1797 and 1799, the Sea Gate stands as one of the important vestiges of Velas' old defensive system. Its construction is attributed to Matias de Avelar, a member of the notable family of "Avelar Architects" or "Velas Architects," whose works shaped the island's architectural landscape for over one hundred and fifty years. The primary function of this gate was to protect the village from potential threats coming from the sea, such as pirate attacks that, for centuries, plagued the Azorean coasts. At nightfall, the walls of Velas port were closed by gates like this one, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants on land.

A Look at Its Structure

This gate, which still stands today, reflects the robustness of constructions of that era. Its structure is composed of plastered and white-painted stone masonry, contrasting with the decorative elements in exposed stonework, which give it a distinct character. At the top, one can observe the royal arms of Portugal, a royal coat of arms that attests to its official importance and the period of its construction. Below the coat of arms, the inscription "1799" stands out, a probable reference to the year the work was completed. The Velas Sea Gate shares similarities with other "Sea Gates" that existed in other parts of the archipelago, such as in Ponta Delgada or Angra do Heroísmo, evidencing a common defensive typology in the Azores.

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