What to see?

The most excellent monumental and artistic expression of Faial is in its temples and chapels, emphasizing:

The “São Salvador” Church. It was the old church of Our Lady of Los Placeres that belonged to the Jesuits. Its construction began in 1680, suffering changes in the XVIII century. In the interior are found images, panels and glazed tiles of great value.

The Monastery of St. Francis: The actual monastery is not the original, which dates its construction in 1696. Is presently integrated with the “Arte Sacra” Museum and the “Horta” Museum; that includes an important collection of Flemish origin.

The “Nossa Senhora das Angústias” (Our Lady of Anguish Church). Was constructed in the XVII century over a chapel of the XV century. It has interesting sepia from the XVIII-XIX centuries, attributed to Machado de Castro.

“Império dos Nobres”. Built in the XVIII century, it is believed that was the first “theater” in the Azores. It is constructed of rock and paste in honor to the Holy Spirit.

The Santa Cruz Fortress. Dates from the XVI century and protected the city of Horta from different attacks from hostile armies. In the interior it exist a chapel of the XVII century, dedicated to St. Anthony.

The clock Tower. It is a construction of the XVIII century that belonged to an old mold that was demolished in the XIX century.

The “Portão fortificado do Porto Paim” (large iron gate of Porto Paim), and the “Muralhas de São Sebastião” (walls of St.Sebastian). Were constructed to defend the bay of Porto Paim.

It can also be found in the Island interesting museums, among those who emphasize:

The Horta Museum. Installed in the old college of the Jesuits, has several collections of different nature. It shows the history of the island of Faial and includes remarkable collections of artistic works of the faialense Euclides rosa shown in a permanent exposition of the artist; in the same way ethnological, nautical, technological, artistic and of natural history objects.

The “Arte Sacra” Museum. Gets together an important collection of alfaias in silver and religious images, emphasizing an important collection of Flemish religious statues (XV/XVI century).

The Scrimshaw Museum. Shelters a particular collection of its owner, the popular Peter’s Café Sport, in which still today make a stop all the crews that cross the ocean between the Caribbean an the Mediterranean. The collection has a particular interest in the sculptures, just as the bibliographies, documents and photos of whales, besides the thousands of pieces that show the art of engrave in the teeth of the whales or scrimshau.

Exposition of Photos of the Capelilnhos Volcano. It is about a photography collection and documentation relating to the volcanic activities of Capelinhos.

In as much as its landscape richness, the island of Pico counts with a significant natural patrimony, emphasizing in the following places of interest:

Monte de Guía Balcony: From this volcanic peak it can be observed the beautiful panorama of the Horta city, the port beach and the coast of Pim, reaching to the edge of Castello Branco and the island of Pico. This zone is considered protected landscape due to its beautiful landscape and its fauna, unique in this region.

Espalamaca Balcony: It’s the second balcony with views to the city of Horta, the port and the shipping, from which it can also be admired the islands of Pico and Sao Jorge.

Caldeira. It’s a crater of almost 400 meters of depth and 2 kilometers of width. Is a place of force visit (the way that surrounds its crossed in two hours), and is surrounded by blue hydrangea and an exuberant vegetation integrated in the cedars, junipers, embryos and mosses. It constitutes without any doubt, one of the most important attractions of the island and is qualified as Nature Reserve.

CabeÇo Gordo. Is the highest elevation of Faial with 1.043 meters of altitude, located in the central zone of the island. Is a magnificent natural balcony that permits the view of the islands of Pico and Sao Jorge.

The Capelinhos Volcano: It constitutes one the main tourist points of Faial. Its located in the most occidental outermost of the island and from its summit it can be appreciated the effects of the volcanic eruptions that took place in the years of 1957 and 1958 when the volcanic lava covered the houses and fields making an important alteration in the landscape of the island. The history report of the eruptions is reflected in a photographic exposition.

Varadouro: Is a thermal stay and a health resort zone. The spas of Varadouro have hypo saline waters at a temperature of 35,5ºC (96ºF) and are prepared for receiving guests interested in therapeutic treatments or for only mere leisure.

Botanic Garden. It’s located in the Quinta of San Lorenzo