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The Azores (Açores), Portugal
March 2001

Angra do Heroísmo, Island of Terceira

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Angra do Heroísmo has been important to Portuguese history beginning with the 16th Century and provided an opportunity for rest, resupply and shelter for ships plying the trade routes between Europe, Africa and the Americas until the advent of steamships in the 19th Century. Angra translates to "creek." The rest of the town's name was bestowed by Maria II for bravery demonstrated during the 19th Century Liberalism movement. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added the town's Central Zone to its World Heritage Center list in 1983 based on historical and architectural significance. Outside the Angra do Heroísmo Museum The Museum of Angra do Heroísmo, formerly the Convento de São Francisco (a convent), provides an interesting place to stop on a walk through town. It's probably easiest to see the town by foot. The central area is relatively compact and sites worth visiting are within close proximity. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Hillside Cannons These cannons stood outside the same museum along a cobblestone terrace. These symbolize the historical strategic importance of the town. It needed strong defenses to control a vital trade link between the Old World and the New World. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Public Garden The Jardim Público, or "Public Garden" was also once part of the Convento de São Francisco. Today it is beautifully maintained for all to enjoy. We walked through the gardens early one morning as workers busily swept leaves and washed the paths to make sure everything was perfect to start the day. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Memorial in Angra do Heroísmo We wandered up to one of the higher points in town to the Alto da Memória. This pyramid was placed here in honor of the visit King Pedro IV made to Terceira while the constitutional army was preparing to move forward against mainland Portugal. The first fortress in the Azores was also built atop here. Finally if those are not enough reasons to trudge uphill to this point, it also offers excellent views of the city. More Options Previous Travel Adventure: Terceira - Monte Brasil Next Travel Adventure: Faial - Horta Street Scenes Azores Menu