Our final day on Terceira Island began with a coastal hike following the trail of the Fortes of Sao Sebastian along the southwest coast of the island. The forts were built in the 16th-17th C as defence against the Spanish who at that time were not on the best of terms with the Portuguese. The ocean was rough, pushed onshore by a northeaster, sending spray over us as we negotiated parts of the trail over the rocky coast using rope handholds. Steady climbing got us to some outstanding view points of the surrounding area and coastline.
Our trek ended in the village of Sao Sebastian which provided us with some photo ops in the central square and church. The remains of the sign for a long defunct chicken take out business, as well as some tile and church design elements suggestive of the influence of the Knights Templar provided some interesting contrasts. Terceira Island is known for its 75 small churches or Imperios, dedicated to the holy spirit. One of these (first photo below) is located just off the Sao Sebastian town square and we passed several others during our drives around the Island. The Imperios (associated with the cult of the Holy Spirit – a Catholic sub-culture in the Azores) first appeared in the 16th C and were originally used by sailors to express their gratitude for their safe passage and future sea journeys. In addition to their historic use they are also part of festivals such as the running of the bulls which still occurs on the Island. I have included a selection of photos of other Imperios located on Terceira Island for interest.
other Imperios on Terceira Island
Our final stop of the day brought us up to a view point over the centre of the island overlooking the collapsed caldera rim of the older central volcano of Terceira Island. Covered with pasture and bisected with volcanic stone walls the landscape was a gleaming green carpet extending to the sea. A fitting place to say goodbye to a lovely place- one that is well worth a visit.
Tomorrow we fly to Pico Island, also known as the black island, a name that comes from the Volcanic soils. Pico Island produces of some of the excellent white wines we have enjoyed this past week and is the home of UNESCO designated vineyards. The plan is to visit some vineyards/wineries and have a tour of the island with our guide and host. Mary may head up the volcano. My plan involves sitting on the deck and enjoying the view. Until then boa noite.
