Azores Holiday Destination Guide

You are here: Home > Island Hopping > Santa Maria > Vila do Porto

Next Page
Vila do Porto

Protected by two forts
, Santa Maria’s capital is located in a cliff-surrounded large bay and has two distinct districts, which are separated by the mother church, Igreja Matriz da nossa Senhora da Assunção. The older district below the Matriz, as this church is commonly called, still reflecting some of the past splendour of the town, has maintained a medieval character, marked by the original layout of its streets and alleys, while the newer district above the Matriz, stretches to the sides of a wide single road.

The easily toured town has a few interesting historic structures to view, such as the Igreja Matriz da nossa Senhora da Assunção, the parish church, which was rebuilt in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th-century. Boasting an attractive bell tower and ogive lateral portal, this church has maintained some Gothic and Manueline influences originating from the old structure. It has three naves that are separated by arches set on red stone columns. With a dominating blue, the interior features beautiful wood-carved altars and sculptures, interesting Flemish 16th-century paintings, splendid glazed tiles and, in the baptistery, fine windows depicting the baptism of Jesus Christ.

The Convento and Igreja de São Francisco, where today some public services, such as the town hall, are accommodated, was founded in 1607, then destroyed by pirates in 1616, completely rebuilt in 1725 and enlarged in 1822. The attractive cloister is planted with palms and succulents. The adjacent chapels of Ordem Terceira and Senhor do Sepulcro boast beautiful wood-carved gilded retables and the Capela das Almas a magnificent collection of 17th-century glazed tiles, depicting the miracles of Santo António.

Built in the 16th century during the Spanish occupation in defence of the town, the Fortaleza São Brás was the target for many pirate invasions during the first centuries of its existence. Within the fort’s premises, you will find the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, about half a dozen rusty cannons and an obelisk, dedicated to the Commander Carvalho Araújo, who became a Portuguese national hero during World War I, adorns the drill-ground.

Map of Santa Maria
Map of Santa Maria
Bay of São Lourenço
Bay of São Lourenço
View of the quay of Vila do Porto
View of the quay of Vila do Porto

There is also a small ethnographic museum, mainly displaying artefacts related to weaving and pottery industries, especially the latter looking back on a long tradition on the island.

North of the city centre, you will find Saul Chaves, the pretty reproduction of one of the island’s typical windmills, which was built by using traditional materials and technologies.
• THE AZORES BIGGEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION GUIDE •
Next Page