Azores Part Two: Around Angra do Heroismo

So you've read about the amazing garden in Angra do Heroismo ... but what else is there of interest around town?

Angra is on the coast, like most of the populated areas of the island of Terceira, and our daily habit included walking past the statue of Vasco da Gama to see the harbor and the nearby water.

On our first day walking along the water, we turned back and saw this bright blue building, the Igreja da Misericordia (Church of Mercy).  The site was the location of the island's first hospital, established in 1492.  This church was built in the 18th century, and approximately 100 years later, the hospital was moved to a nearby convent.

We climbed the steep stairs to the balcony, where we saw this interesting building next door.  According to the interesting lady who greeted us inside the church, the building is completely empty: only the outside is kept up because it is in the historic district.

Another church in Angra is the Ingreja do Santissimo Salvador da Se (Church of the Holy Savior of the Cathedral), which was begun in 1570.  Outside is a statue of Pope John Paul II, commemorating his May 1991 visit to the island.

The church is best known for its 16th century paintings depicting the life of Christ and the exquisite silver antependium made by metalworkers from Terceira, but I liked it best for the chevron steeples!

Most of the Catholic churches on the island have nearby Imperios, or shadow churches, devoted to the Holy Spirit. They are brightly colored, topped with an imperial crown, and feature an altar inside. Each Imperio is opened once a year for a celebration.  This one is right in the town of Angra (but I was unsure which church it was related to).

Unlike the bold exteriors of many of the churches and Imperios, the Convent de Sao Goncalo is not impressive upon approach.  Getting inside is something of a challenge, as guests have to be buzzed into an entry room where they wait for a tour guide.  

   

The nun who served as my tour guide spoke no English, and I spoke no Portugese, but somehow we communicated well enough.

I was the only person on my tour.  The nun brought me through locked doors to the chapel, where she had to turn the lights on.  But WOW!  I walked in and literally gasped in awe: it was truly that impressive.  Although no photos were allowed inside, you may find one picture and a lot more information here.

In the center of town, the center of the UNESCO World Heritage site and across the street from our hotel, was the town square, where we rang in 2017. And on that square is the Town Hall, which houses the Supreme Court of the Azores.

 

 

Every day, we explored a little more of the town. One day near the end of our trip, we walked to the opposite end of town, where we found (more!) bakeries - there were several delicious ones near our hotel! - and yet another stunning view.

 

 

In addition to the fantastic views, the Supreme Court of the Azores, the churches, the Imperios, the public garden, and so much else, Angra houses a great museum featuring the history of the Azores. Tune in to Part Three to learn more about the museum!