Hotel Canadiano

Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião

by Avieira67

This beautiful monument was built between 1531 and 1547 on the same place of a small church.
It is a representation of the gothic style, with evidences of manueline style at the main entrance.
Inside this monument, embroideries in gold thread are found in addition to some rare wood such as “Pau Santo” (from Brazil).

Igreja do Colégio de Todos-os-Santos

by mircaskirca

Behind the Jardim Antero de Quental stands Igreja do Colégio de Todos-os-Santos (All Saints Church) with its impressive façade in the Baroque style. This church is quite different, it does not follow the traditional design elements characteristic for other churches on the island. It was part of the old Jesuit College. Construction started in 1592 when the Jesuits came to the island and founded their college here. The present church's construction started only in the first half of the 18th century. In 1759 the Jesuits had to leave Portugal on the orders of the Marques de Pombal so the church was never finished.

Inside you'll find plant and animal motifs carved into the wood and stone of the building. Worth a special attention is the altar, considered one of the greatest pieces of art in the city. It has has elaborate and detailed carving, showing the images of the real world and the world of spirit. Unfortunately, the altar was never finished or gilded. The church is now part of the Museum Carslos Machado and includes a collection of religious art. It is also used as an exhibition gallery for contemporary art.

Ponta Delgada

by mircaskirca

"City of Beautiful Churches"

Ponta Delgada is the capital of Saõ Miguel and the largest city of the Azores, with university established in 1975. The city is well worth exploring a day or two, it has many beautiful churches, palaces, museums and other magnificent buildings from the 17th to the 19th centuries. There are several attractive squares and beautiful gardens to relax, and long esplanade along the harbour. The city is easy to explore by foot. I very much enjoyed wandering through the cobbled narrow streets of the historic centre with attractive shops and inviting cafés and restaurants, and completed the tour of the city in Café Royal with a nice cup of coffee and some typical sweets of the island.