Angra do Heroísmo

In the near distance, we can see a big mountain, Monte Brasil, on the coast near the city of Angra. Several people have suggested that we go there. There is a road that winds its way up to the top and there are great views. The day was sunny and clear of clouds so off we went.

As is common in the Azores, most of the ‘mountains’ are old volcanoes. Monte Brasil was formed when a volcano spewed magma and created a mound that eventually grew out of the sea and attached to Terceira, only to collapse upon itself.

From a distance this mountain looks as if it forms a solid mound. However, once we drove to the summit, we saw the hollow bowl or the caldera of this extinct volcano. Today there is a nature preserve on the volcano and a protected place for increasingly threatened native plant species. At the bottom of the caldera, there was an army rifle range.

We continued higher up the mountain and got to the Pico das Cruzinhas (cross). This monument is dedicated to the Portuguese occupation of the Azores during the Age of Discoveries. We enjoyed the panoramic view from this spot as we could see the entire bay and city of Angra and the main volcanoes of the island - Santa Barbara to the west, Guilherme Moniz in the center, and Cinco Pico to the east.

What we found very interesting was the collection of anti-aircraft guns. At the beginning of the Second World War, structures were constructed on the summit of Monte Brasil to support the coastal defences of the Azores, during a time when open warfare existed between the Allies and Axis.

Buildings for the military troops and ammunitions, including several artillery and anti-aircraft structures were put in place to protect the city from assumed submarine/naval attacks on Pico das Cruzinhas and Pico do Facho. They were left behind and we were free to walk in and around them. It was very interesting.

Every spot we visited had very attractive and friendly roosters wandering around. We don’t know why they are there but they were fun to watch.

We learned that Terceira really doesn’t have any wild animals on it except for rabbits, rats and ferrets. We have seen two rabbits. That’s it. I think that the above animals were stowaways on ships and found a new place to live on the island.

Continuing on, we arrived at the Miradouro Pico do Facho. This viewpoint is very interesting because of the old telegraph or signal post that is located there. Living in the middle of the ocean required extra caution. In times of peace, it was important to be on the lookout for pirates,corsairs or strangers. In times of war, it was important to be on the lookout for enemies that might attempt an attack.

A signalling system was set up to aid in the navigation of ships, airplanes and even for whale watching. In one photo you will see a cross-shaped post. Signalling flags were hung on it and over 60 different messages could be sent using these flags.

We also saw a few cats but later learned that there is a Cat colony/sanctuary on the mountain. Apparently all the cats have been given the required vaccinations, have been sterilized and are regularly fed. They even have little houses that were built for them to live in.Read more