The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre on Faial Island registered today 100,000 visitors since its opening five years ago. This record was reached with the registration of a German tourist at 11:58 AM.

To mark the occasion, the Regional Director for the Environment, Hernâni Jorge, offered Jurgen Patzer a book about the Capelinhos Volcano and several souvenirs related to this Interpretation Centre, which celebrates its 5th anniversary on August 18.

Integrated in Faial Natural Park, this area is under the management of the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources through the Regional Directorate for the Environment; it receives visitors from all over the world and its surroundings provide a unique landscape.

The Centre provides historical and scientific information that allows visitors to have a better understanding on the Capelinhos Volcano and some of the most famous volcanoes on our planet as well as on all Azorean islands.

Being specifically dedicated to the Capelinhos Volcano, this Interpretation Centre also intends to pay tribute to the people who lived and learned to survive the volcanic eruption that occurred in 1957/1958.

"To those who left and those who stayed and to the demonstrations of solidarity that came from the four corners of the world," said the Regional Director for the Environment. The government official added that the Interpretation Centre "celebrates not only science, but also life and a new and better start that was only possible due to the existence of this volcano."

It should be noted that this space was designed to preserve the landscape in the area affected by the volcanic eruption, which is located on the westernmost tip of Faial Island.

The building is almost completely submerged in volcanic ash from which the Lighthouse "emerges"; the latter being the landmark of Capelo village and the guardian of a memory that offers visitors a magnificent view over the Capelinhos Volcano and the Atlantic ocean.

Having been distinguished with several prizes, including a nomination for best museum in Europe by ICOM (International Council of Museums), the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre also contributes to the development of tourism. As one of the main infrastructures of Faial Natural Park, it has been distinguished with the EDEN - European Destinations of Excellence award by the European Commission.