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Serreta & Mata da Serreta
The village of Serreta on the west coast, famous pilgrimage venue for the Festa of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres in September, stretches along the coastal road. The cult of ‘Our Lady of the Miracles’ is celebrated in this village since the end of the 17th century, with the erection of a humble chapel in which a small statue of Our Lady was placed. The present church of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres was consecrated in 1907 and continues to be the centre of all activities for the thousands of devotees who come from all over the island to participate in the most important religious celebrations of the month of September.
Serreta is also known as starting place for probably one of the most charming walks of the island leading through the Mata da Serreta, a sylvan park with luxuriant vegetation, cedar, laurel and eucalyptus trees, spreading on the slopes of the volcanic peaks of the Serra de Santa Barbara, a volcanic massif that dominates the western part of the island and also boasts its highest peak. The Mata da Serreta is part of the protected area Reserva Florestal de Recreio da Mata da Serreta and has an attractive picnic and recreation zone as well as some beautiful natural belvederes from where, on clear days, it is possible to see the outlines of the neighbouring islands Graciosa and São Jorge.
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