Santa Cruz da Graciosa can be explored through its water architecture, sacred art and ethnographic heritage. The Paúis are located in the Rossio, the historic centre of the town of Santa Cruz; the Igreja Matriz is also in the town. The Museu da Graciosa showcases traditional crafts and presents an ethnographic collection. The Grande Rota da Graciosa, a circular trail of around 40 kilometres, offers another independent hiking option. The area thus offers a variety of themes for a stay, from local history to a multi-stage hike.

The Paúis and the townscape

The Paúis are two large water tanks in the Rossio. They form part of the historical heritage and traditional “water architecture” of Graciosa Island. Originally, they served as livestock watering troughs and public water reservoirs. These two specific uses of water sit alongside the cultural significance of the structures. The tanks are also part of the historic town centre and help shape the view of Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz is characterised by traditional houses and cobbled lanes branching off from a spacious central square, which features a bandstand and Araucaria trees.

Church and works of art

The Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz da Graciosa is located in the town of Santa Cruz. Its original construction dates back to the 16th century; the church was extensively enlarged in the 18th century. The church houses a 16th-century altarpiece painted on wood, considered a masterpiece of Portuguese painting. The main altar and six 16th-century panel paintings have also been extensively restored. The panel paintings are attributed to the Master of Arruda dos Vinhos. The distinction between the dates is important: the extensive enlargement took place in the 18th century, while the altarpiece and panel paintings date from the 16th century.

Crafts and heritage at the Museu da Graciosa

The Museu da Graciosa showcases traditional crafts such as pottery and roof-tile making. It presents a permanent ethnographic collection entitled “Ilha Graciosa: Memória e Identidade de um Povo”. Its history goes back to the Casa Etnográfica, founded in 1977; since 1991, it has been known as the Museu da Graciosa. The two dates mark different milestones: 1977 was the year the Casa Etnográfica was founded, while 1991 was the year it adopted its current museum name.

The Grande Rota as a hiking option

The Grande Rota da Graciosa is a circular trail of around 40 kilometres, divided into two stages of approximately 20 kilometres each. The first stage starts in the Barra area of the town of Santa Cruz. If you would like to include a hike in your stay, the approximate stage distances offer a practical starting point for planning your time. Dividing the route into two similarly long stages makes it a distinct, multi-stage activity alongside the cultural attractions.

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