Hiking Trails and Views

The Volta à Caldeira – Furna do Enxofre hiking trail (PRC2GRA) circles the Caldeira da Graciosa Natural Monument. Along the route, you can also visit the Furna do Enxofre Visitor Centre. The trail therefore has two specific points of interest: the Caldeira as the natural monument it circles, and the visitor centre as a place to visit. This is useful when choosing a route, as you can consider the scenic trail and a visit to the centre together.

The Arquitetura da Água I hiking trail (PR01GRA) starts at Pico da Caldeirinha de Pêro Botelho and circles the crater of its volcanic cone. Compared with PRC2GRA, the natural features described are different: one trail focuses on the Caldeira and the visitor centre, while the other focuses on the crater and its named starting point. The starting point and the crater of the same volcanic cone form a connected feature. Comparing them can help you choose a trail based on the landscape that interests you.

The half-suspended Miradouro do Pôr do Sol viewpoint is located at Beira Mar da Vitória in Guadalupe. From there, you can enjoy a view of the sunset. Unlike the two hiking trails, the focus here is on the view rather than the route. If you would like to consider a specific viewpoint as an alternative to the trail descriptions when planning your stay, this is a distinct point of interest.

Churches and Religious Heritage

The church of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe still preserves the image of the invocation of the Virgin of Guadalupe brought from Mexico. It was built to replace an old chapel dating from the 16th century. Construction took approximately fifty years because an earthquake caused severe damage in the parish. The dates need to be distinguished: the 16th century refers to the older chapel, while approximately fifty years is the construction time of its replacement.

Two Impérios also feature distinctive architectural details. Above the door of the Império do Espírito Santo da Beira Mar is a crown of the Holy Spirit. The Império do Espírito Santo de Santo António da Vitória is a small building with just one door and no windows; it was built in 1918. While the feature highlighted at Beira Mar is above the entrance, at Santo António it is the building’s overall form and year of construction. This makes it possible to consider the two places in terms of different architectural features.

A procession accompanied by a philharmonic band is associated with the Império do Espírito Santo de Santo António da Vitória. During the procession, the brotherhood, their families and guests bring the symbols of the Divine to the church. Unlike the architectural features, the procession describes a shared religious event, naming both the participants and the symbols they bring to the church.

Discover more destinations: Feiteira, Covas, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Faja, Praia, Luz

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