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Versão Portuguesa
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of Azores
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Many
were the galleons that cast anchor here, weighed down with cargoes of
spices from the East and gold and silver from America. The straight
streets of the city take visitors back to the atmosphere of the 17th and
18th centuries. Admire the green patchwork of level fields dotted with
the white silhouettes of dairy cows. The brush strokes of vibrant colour
between white-washed houses. The laughter and pirouettes of boys showing
off their talents at the traditional “ tourada à corda ” a
variation on bullfighting. Enjoy a quieter moment on a golf course
bedecked with flecks of criptomerias from Japan this is the kaleidoscope
of shapes, scents and colours awaiting the visitor on the island of
Terceira. Where past meets present to provide you with fulfilling,
rewarding holidays.
Wander,
discover... and play golf
Terceira
is not just about history and monuments. it also boasts breathtaking
countryside alluring you to take a stroll and mountain ranges bedecked
in flowery meadows with the sea and sky as a backdrop. Visit the curious
Guilherme Moniz volcanic crater measuring 15 km in circumference.
Discover the caves in Algar do Carvão with their walls of lava and
basalt. An
18 hole course to challenge even the most proficient of golfers. The
abundance of fish in the ocean makes Terceira a fisherman's paradise.
Diving, wind surfing and sailing are the main sports to be enjoyed on
this island. No beaches are to be found but visitors can enjoy a
refreshing swim in one of the many swimming pools built between the
cliffs.
An
island of never ending festivals
From
May to September Terceira is a permanent festival of colour and secular
traditions. The Festas do Espirito Santo (Holly Spirit Celebrations)
bring to every village in the island the ceremony of the crowning of the
'emperor' followed by charity dinners where food and drink are enjoyed
in abundance. The
Festas Sanjoaninas with their interesting parades and the traditional
bullfights, often with hilarious incidents, are other events, which
attract hundreds of visitors to the island. Festivals mean good
food.
The
traditional cuisine is famous, with its exotic aroma of rump of beef,
blood sausage, and special octopus recipes. Desserts come in all shapes
and sizes and are a gastronomic delight. Such cuisine wouldn't be
complete without Biscoitos wine, a wine of such renown that a museum was
constructed in its honour to chronicle. The pleasure it has brought to
many a palate.
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Angra
do Herolsmo: a city granted world heritage status
As
a prime example of European town planning from the 16th century
set in the middle of the Atlantic Angra do Herolsmo fully deserves
its world heritage status. For its streets that maintain the
distinct architecture of times gone by, to its myriad churches,
palaces and museums. For the sturdy walls of its fortress which
defended the city and port from many a pirate.
After
appreciating all that Angra do Heroismo has to offer, visitors
should get to know the "old town"' of Praia da vitoria.
Here you will find the gothic church of São Sebastião built by
the first settlers. Then there are the manors, churches and
chapels of São Carlos, Fontinha, São Bras and Lajes. The real
masterpieces of popular architecture were built in honour of the
Holy Spirit.
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