Scenic village, considered the "Christmas crib of the island", located between two mountains, where the ocean almost kisses the streets, divided by a stream. An idyllic scenario that gets its name from the abundance of Faia - or Azorean Candleberry Trees - and constitutes a mandatory visit.
With about 359 inhabitants, Faial da Terra mainly subsists of agriculture and cattle raising. However, early in the 16th century, soil fertility and beauty of the valley attracted the first settlers, that quickly worked the land, creating their own means of subsistence. The sea was also a precious ally for this community, which turned into one of the villages of major whaling activity in the island of São Miguel. Indeed, time could not erase all traces of this activity.
The well-known village of Sanguinho is a perfect place for tourism, thanks to the beauty of its endemic flora and scenic value.
What to see in this parish:
* Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça
The construction of this church dates back to the beginning of 16th century. It was burned by the British on 1597, rebuilt and reopened in 1599. Early in the 19th century it underwent further reconstruction. A decorative element on the façade is embossed with the initials "NSG". The tower bears the inscription "PMIM".
* Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes
This chapel was built by the initiative of Padre António Pacheco Vieira and opened in 1900. The decorative element of the façade is embossed with the inscription "1906 NSL".
* "Alminha"
"Alminhas" are artistic and religious heritage that occupy strategic points in the parishes. Are signs of religious experience and the physical experience of the territory. Located on Rua do Burguete.
* Triatos of the Holy Spirit
“Triatos of the Holy Spirit” are constructions associated with the festivities in honor of the Holy Spirit, intended to display the symbols of the Holy Spirit, including the royal crown surmounted by a dove, flag, scepter, traditional masts. They are built in a rectangular one floor plan. There are two Triatos in Faial da Terra:
1. Located on Rua Direita, street that occupies the right bank of the stream of Faial da Terra. With tiled roof and topped by one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit, the dove.
2. Located on Rua do Burguete. Bears the inscription "1908" and features one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit, the crown.
* Fountains
The fountains played a very important role in people's daily life. In a not too distant past, there were no sources of tap water to supply several localities. There are five fountains in Faial da Terra:
1. Located on Rua Direita, the street that occupies the right bank of the stream of Faial da Terra. The frame and all the ornaments of this fountain are carved in basaltic rock. It is inscribed with "1874" and "CM" and has two spouts with running water.
2. Located on Rua do Alferes, the road that occupies the left margin of the stream of Faial da Terra. The basin as well as the frame and ornament of the top are crafted in basaltic rock. It is inscribed with "1888" and "O. Q ".
3. Located next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, on Praça da Nossa Senhora da Graça, it dates back to 1891, as the inscription indicates, with four spouts with running water.
4. Located at the beginning of the Rua da Escola. The ornaments and the sink are crafted in basaltic rock.
5. Located on Rua do Burguete, that gives access to the Sanguinho.
* Bandstand
The bandstand is used to shelter music bands during concerts, festivals and other events. It is a symbol of celebration and remains, to this day, an important stage for performances to many communities. Located on Rua da Fazenda, it presents tiled roof and stair access.
* Viewpoint of Pico dos Bodes
Inaugurated by the Municipality of the village on 28 July, 2007, it offers a 360° view that stretches from the coast to the village of Faial da Terra and Vila Franca do Campo. This viewpoint was conceived to allow a full panoramic view of the ocean and also serves as a whale lookout.
* Viewpoint of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes
Located next to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, it offers a view over parish and the sea, as well as the imposing stream of Faial da Terra.
* Public Garden of Faial da Terra
Located on Rua da Avenida, it constitutes an enjoyable garden with green spaces, flowerbeds, trees to provide shade and benches.
* Garden of Plaza Nossa Senhora da Graça
Located in front of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, it is a small landscaped garden, ideal for a rest. In the center of the garden lies the bust of Padre Elias Resendes de André, founder of the "Obrad da Rua" os Açores and "Obra do Gaiato" in Ponta Delgada.
* Picnic Park of Porto Novo
Situated on the seafront, next to the little harbor of Faial da Terra. It features a haystack, grills, stone table and benches.
* Bathing area of Portinho
Bathing area formed by a bay of rolled pebble and sand and a pool at the base of a high lava cliff and an old portage ramp. The amount of sand is highly variable, thus large beach areas alternate with small ranges of sand the remaining gravel extension or burgau.
* Little harbour of Faial da Terra
Located at the base of a high lava cliff, at the end of the SW valley of Faial da Terra. The beaching ramp also serves as support for artisanal fishery. This port is used for bathing and can be an opportunity for those who want to dive in and enjoy peacefulness. Faial da Terra was a major whaling centre in the island of São Miguel, as the marks found on this harbor still testify.
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