Praia da Vitória, located on the east coast of Terceira Island, is a city full of history and culture, and the perfect destination for a day trip during your stay at Atlântida Mar Hotel. It was one of the first settlements on Terceira Island, with its settlement starting in the 15th century. The city’s port played a crucial role in its development, being a transit point for commercial vessels doing business in the Azores archipelago.
As you stroll through the historic center of Praia da Vitória, you will come across a variety of monuments and old buildings, each with its own story to tell. The architecture is characteristically colorful and the streets are steeped in history. Some of the monuments that you can explore include the 15th century Mother Church, the 16th century Senhor Santo Cristo Church, the Santa Catarina Fort, the Town Hall, the Customs House and the Hermitages of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, São Salvador and São Lázaro.
Rua de Jesus, with its typical architecture and colorful decorations, is a perfect place for a stroll. At the end of the street, you will find the 19th century municipal market and a small public garden, both representative of the historical heritage of the center of Praia da Vitória.
Another highlight is Praça Francisco Ornelas da Câmara, the city’s central square. Here is located the Statue of Liberty and Praia da Vitória City Hall, where you can find works of art and ancient sculptures.
You cannot miss a visit to the Church of Santa Cruz, also known as Igreja Matriz, dating from the 15th century and with a Gothic and Manueline architectural style. Its main altar, covered in gold, is considered one of the largest and most beautiful religious monuments on Terceira Island.
The Casa Museu Vitorino Nemésio is another mandatory stop. It is in this 17th-century house that the writer Vitorino Nemésio was born in 1901. Today, the house is open to the public and houses the writer’s personal objects. Close to the Casa Museu, you will find the Public Library, also known as Casa das Aunts, which belonged to Nemésio’s aunts, who helped him financially when he was studying at the University of Coimbra.
To end your day in Praia da Vitória, go up to the Miradouro do Facho. Here you will have one of the best views of the port, the Serra do Cume and the city. This viewpoint, located in Serra do Facho, was used as a lighthouse in the 15th and 16th centuries, lighting a fire at the top to guide sailors.
After a day exploring Praia da Vitória, returning to Atlântida Mar Hotel will be a pleasure. With its sea views and luxury services, it will be the perfect end to a day of exploration.