The other night I watched an episode of House Hunters International (one of my favorite TV shows) which showcased a young couple searching for a new home in Angra do Heroísmo. Located on the island of Terceira, Angra, as it’s known by locals, is the oldest city in the Azores archipelago, dating back to 1450. Watching the show, I was reminded how much I enjoyed visiting this UNESCO World Heritage-recognized city a couple of years ago. Purely by coincidence, my visit coincided with the 475th anniversary of the city’s founding. Angra is one of the three regional capitals of the Azores, with each capital responsible for one of the three branches of government; Angra is the location of the judicial branch.
This charming city features traditional whitewashed buildings—many with intricate Baroque façades—set against a backdrop of rolling green pastures and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. What struck me most was that nearly all of the buildings were in pristine condition, painted in the most vibrant of colors.
Below are a few of my favorite shots, illustrating the beauty of Angra do Heroísmo.
I was excited to see a street with my last name!
Beautiful architecture! The beautiful Azores…
I’ve been to Madeira years ago, but it seems like Angra do Heroismo is more colourful than Funchal.