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Located in the municipality of Povoação, in the southeastern part of the beautiful São Miguel Island, the parish of Faial da Terra is yet another of these picturesque Azorean villages surrounded by lush nature, offering peace and tranquility, attracting visitors from all over the world.
It was in this municipality, to which Faial da Terra belongs, that the first settlers of São Miguel disembarked, officially established by decree of Queen D. Maria II on July 3, 1839. This parish is known as the “Nativity of the Island” and every year, the festivities of the Empire of the Most Holy Trinity take place, aimed at reviving local traditions.
The main economic activities in this parish are agriculture and commerce, thanks to the agricultural crops and pastures, as well as handicrafts, which have always been part of its history. In terms of gastronomy, highlights include fervedouro, liver sauce, bolo da sertã, thick porridge, Holy Spirit soups, pork cracklings, blood sausage, and chorizo.
However, what stands out the most in Faial da Terra is its rich historical heritage, composed of significant architectural projects, such as the elegant Church of Our Lady of Grace, built in the early 16th century, the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, dating back to 1900, the Alminha, a symbol of religious life, the fountains, which played a crucial role in water supply in the past, and the Bandstand, a structure designed to host musical bands during festivities.
Other points of interest in Faial da Terra include the viewpoints of Pico dos Bodes and the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, offering visitors excellent panoramic views from different angles of the area, and the Praceta Nossa Senhora da Graça, ideal for resting and relaxing.
Therefore, when visiting São Miguel Island, be sure to explore Faial da Terra, a parish filled with beauty and spectacular attractions.
Things to Do and Visit in Faial da Terra
Sanguinho
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa
Situated in the parish of Faial da Terra, Sanguinho is a rural village that has housed approximately twenty uninhabited houses since the early 1970s. In the past, the area accommodated around two hundred people. However, due to a lack of comfort, access difficulties, and emigration, these individuals were forced to leave the village. Nevertheless, to preserve the history of Sanguinho, the residences are undergoing a restoration process.
Fotografia de Mário Ramalheiro
The origin of the name comes from the abundant presence of the “sanguinho” (Frangula azorica), a rare endemic plant of the Azores. It was once believed that the region was populated so that farmers could stay closer to their lands, and it also served as a means for people to protect themselves from frequent floods and maritime storms that occurred in the area.
