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Horta, Faial Island
Discover Horta, the capital of the island of Faial, Azores, Portugal
Horta, Faial Island
© Gustav
Horta is a lively and entertaining city because many passenger ships and sailboats from around the world come to the island. The town is nestled at the bottom of the volcano Monte da Guia and the Ponta da Espalamanca where you'll find excellent views overlooking the island of Pico and the canal.
Sporting Port of Horta
© Publiçor
Bayside are the sporting and commercial ports and the lively promenade. Both the new and the old Marina show their full dams paintings which are done mostly by sailors. According to the legend, it is considered bad omen to leave from these ports without having left a pictorial memory. A statue honors Manuel de Arriaga. He was a Faialense president of the First Republic of 1911-1915.
Horta, Azores
© Gustav
One of the most important places is the Café de Peter. It is a local landmark in the city, opened in 1918 which is full of flags and memorabilia donated by many sailors. At top floor is the Scrimshaw Museum which exhibits bones and teeth of whales.
In Rua Vasco da Gama is the Castelo de Santa Cruz, dating from 1567. Also, there are the gardens of the Praça do Infante with slender Canary palms.
At the heart of the old town is the Igreja São Francisco Church. It dates back to 1700 and has three naves with a rich decoration of tiles and gilded carvings. In one of its chapels has the Museum of Religious Art.
Other interesting places in town are the Igreja Matriz de Savio Church. It is a great Jesuit temple enriched with sumptuous altars, tiles, silver and a high choir with organ. The Horta Museum is located on the premises of the College of Mission. The clock tower (18th century) is located in the Largo Dom Luis I over which is the only remnant of the original building. Near there is a new park with four dragon trees, a monkey puzzle and kiosk music.
At the top of Horta, you will find beautiful walks. In these walks you can see the channel and the Island of Pico. Also, you can see some iconic buildings such as the temple of the Senhora do Carmo with a facade with two towers with bulbous finials which was completed in 1797. The Regional Legislative Assemblea modern and the Conservatory of Music.
On the north side of the bay lies the suburb of Horta which was defended by the Fort of São Sebastião and a wall (17th century). At the bottom of this bay, it is nestled a beautiful black sand beach, the second best on the island.
Across the bay, is the Ponta da Espalamaca cliff where you can see spectacular panoramic views.
A good route is from the port of Horta, surrounding the Monte Queimado to Monte Guia which is a volcano rises to 145 meters. It is also highly recommended up to Miradouro of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Lookout), located 1 km from the center. This place has a large monument to the Virgin and offers one of the most classic views over the city. Also, you can see the Praia Almoxarife Beach.
A good time to visit Horta is during early August. In the first and second Sunday of the month is the Week do Mar. During this week, there are various activities such as sailing races, folklore exhibitions, outdoor concerts are held is held, a craft fair, etc.
Other important festivals held in the city are the celebrations of Nossa Senhora das Angústias. It is in the sixth Sunday after Easter. Another feasts is the Holy Spirit, held in late August.
On the outskirts of the city worth visiting the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Lookout and Praia do Almoxarife Beach, the best in the island.
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