Angra do Heroismo: The Crown Jewel of Portugal

The island of Terceira is one of the most beautiful islands in the Atlantic ocean and has played an essential role in the new world’s history ever since its discovery in the early 15th century. It is here that they say the old world meets the modern world. Terceira has always been the most popular island in the Azores due to its high living standards and the highly educated business community that calls this island home. The island’s capital is Angra do Heroismo; an extraordinary city with a vibrant energy and sophisticated charm. The city is filled with interesting landmarks that have stood the test of time. The Duke of Terceira garden is one of those unique places that is a must when exploring this magical city. The garden has a wide variety of flowers and plants that bloom throughout the year. The best time to visit is in the spring and summertime when the garden is just bustling with fresh flowers. The pathways and hiking trails throughout the city are well paved and are perfect for exploring this small city on foot. Angra forms the southern half of Terceira, with the north belonging to the city of Praia da Vitória. Together with Ponta Delgada on São Miguel and Horta on Faial, Angra is one of the three regional capitals of the Azores. Each capital is responsible for one of the three branches of government; Angra is the location of the Azorean Supreme Court. It is also the location of the Azorean Bishop, who plays an important role in the predominantly catholic society of the region.  The historical center of the city of Angra was classified as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983, because of its historical significance and 16th-century architecture. The city is filled with colorful churches, some that date back hundreds of years, and are still open and practicing mass on Sundays. You can’t help but admiring the unique colors and architecture of all these churches that blanket the city like colorful dots. The interior of the churches are even more stunning with the gilded cherry woodwork imported from Brazil in the early 15th and 16th centuries. Religion is very important throughout not only the entire city of Angra but in all of the Azores in general. All the towns and cities belong to a parish church that for generations was a regular gathering place for the residents to pray and celebrate. The city of Angra hosts some of the best festivals during the summer months and has the reputation of being the life of the Azorean party. The wide variety of international cultures and traditions that have incorporated the city’s history throughout the centuries all have added unique elements to the many festivals that take place throughout the year. The annual bull-fight is a highlight on the island and is a fun event for families to watch. The experience is fun and here the bull is not harmed or killed and is simply connected to a harness and rope and more or less runs with the crowds at a safe distance, with the rope being held by local men ensuring the safety of the spectators.