The island of Terceira since its beginnings always had an important position in relation to the country, standing out in the political, economic and religious framework of the Azores, which are portrayed in its urbanism, thus contributing to the rich built heritage that the island has, especially the city of Angra do Heroísmo.
Angra do Heroísmo, considered World Heritage by UNESCO, has always kept the same urban and built structure of the Historical Centre, with its streets, manor houses, churches, palaces, which have been persevered throughout time until nowadays, distinguishing itself with great patrimonial value in all the Azores archipelago. Among many architectural elements that constitute the vast patrimony of Terceira, the Alto da Memória in Monte Brasil stands out, where it is possible to observe the entire historical centre of Angra do Heroísmo, this sumptuous monument is an obelisk that was erected in homage to the passage of D. Pedro IV through Terceira during the Portuguese Civil War, being the first stone for its construction one of those that the emperor stepped on when he landed in 1832. The São João Batista fort, also located on Monte Brasil, is a great example of military architecture in the Azores, having been built to defend the city more than 400 years ago.
In the other municipality of the island, Praia da Vitória, the “Casa do Ramo Grande” architecture stands out, through the rural houses, characterised by the use of stone slabs and meticulously worked stonework.
Throughout the Terceira island, the worship of the Divine Holy Spirit is celebrated, reflected in the architecture of its “Impérios”. The “Impérios” of the Divine Holy Spirit are small temples of unique typology that exist practically in every street of Terceira, where the Holy Spirit is venerated. These small buildings of great significance are distinguished by the garish colours of its façade, thus constituting an integral part of the brand image of the island.
In this religious context, the churches, hermitages, convents, as architectonic structures, also stand out for their robust architecture and, like the “Empires”, have a facade with very garish colours, we have the example of the Cathedral, the Church of São Gonçalo, the Church of Misericórdia, the Church of Santa Beatriz, in the parish of Quatro Ribeiras, in Praia da Vitória, being the first church to be built in the island, although it had suffered remodeling throughout the years.
As for the palaces, museums and other monuments and buildings that fall within the context of civil architecture, these also have the same architectural features as churches, we have thus, the Palace of the Captains General, Bettencourt Palace, Paços do Conselho, Solar and Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which was built by Pêro Anes do Canto, to serve as his residence and as Providence of the Armed Forces. Currently, it is in the possession of the Regional Government of the Azores, serving as its secretariat. The Praça de Touros, in Angra do Heroísmo, is also another example of Terceira island’s characteristic civil architecture and the stage of a great tradition that reigns in this island, the bullfights.
Handicrafts have become an integral part of Terceira’s heritage, thanks to the embroidery in white or red linen, the colourful woollen bedspreads made on manual looms and also thanks to the various works in pottery and wickerwork.
Last modified: 2 de November, 2021
