Palace of the Captains General

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > Angra do Heroísmo > Sé

Location

The Palace of the Captains-General is located in the heart of the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo, in the area known as Sé (Cathedral). It is integrated into an area of great importance, recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Its central position within the historic urban fabric facilitates pedestrian access for those exploring the city's streets and squares, placing it as a reference point within the classified architectural and landscape ensemble.

From Jesuit Origins to Civil Power

The history of this imposing building dates back to the 16th century. Initially, it was conceived to be the College of the Society of Jesus in Angra, founded by royal order in 1570. The construction of the complex we know today began in the early 17th century, with its occupation consolidating around 1620.

During the Jesuit period, the college functioned as a relevant educational center, promoting various fields of knowledge. After the expulsion of the Society of Jesus in 1760, the building was confiscated and, later, in 1766, it was adapted to house the headquarters of the newly created General Captaincy of the Azores. It thus assumed the central role in the civil and military administration of the entire archipelago until the extinction of the position in 1830, becoming the stage for decisions that shaped the region.

Royal Palace and Political Testimony

In addition to its function as the headquarters of the General Captaincy, the palace played other prominent roles in Portuguese history. It served as the seat of the Regency of the Kingdom during the Portuguese Civil War and was a Royal Palace at significant moments.

It hosted the presence of D. Pedro IV in 1832, during his stay on Terceira Island, and welcomed D. Carlos I and D. Amélia during the Royal Visit of 1901, bestowing upon the site an aura of royal importance during certain periods of its long existence. Throughout the centuries, the building continued to serve various institutions and witness relevant political events.

Architecture and Historical Design

The architectural complex reflects the influences of Mannerist and Baroque styles, which are evident in its design. It features a rectangular plan organized around a central courtyard, with two main floors.

An integral part of the original design, the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, adjacent to the palace, complements the complex, maintaining its connection to its initial religious and educational function. The facades and internal structure reveal the evolution and adaptations the building underwent over more than four centuries of its history.

Interior Spaces and Collection

Following the damage caused by the 1980 earthquake, the palace's interior underwent careful restoration, aiming to evoke the atmosphere of the General Captaincy period. Upon visiting its spaces, one can appreciate a valuable art collection, comprising furniture, paintings, and decorative art pieces, mostly dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Among the most interesting rooms are the Ballroom, also known as the Hall of the Kings of Braganza, notable for its royal portraits, and the Captain-General's Room, which commemorates the figure of the first holder of this position in the Azores and once housed the royal throne.

The Historic Garden

Outside, the palace features a garden that occupies the area of the former Jesuit college's enclosure. It is a space that invites serenity, with wide pathways and a variety of flora, including imposing trees.

An elegant fountain, which pours water into a large tank, adds an element of tranquility and beauty to this outdoor space, providing a pleasing contrast to the grandeur of the main building.

Testimony and Heritage

The Palace of the Captains-General is classified as a Property of Public Interest, an acknowledgment of its exceptional historical, architectural, and cultural value. It represents an important testimony to the different eras and functions it performed in the history of the Azores and Portugal.

Its preservation and integration into the UNESCO classified area underscore its relevance as a symbol of Azorean identity, connecting the archipelago's administrative and political past to the present and reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage conservation.

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