Residencial Sete Cidades

The city of Ponta Delgada has been developed around a natural bay with the
same name.

One can say that it is a romantic, religious and cultural city.

The city reflects the mixture of architectural styles and art that were
influential throughout its history.

Ponta Delgada is an attractive and lively city with the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, the most important one of the Azores, inserted in a beautiful natural scenery.

The city’s ex-libris, the baroque arches in the historic centre, were built to symbolize the city gates. This construction is called “Portas da Cidade” (City Gates) and even today it plays its role when many visitors use this monument as a reference point to begin discovering the city.

The main avenue is named after the great stimulator of the Portuguese discoveries - D. Afonso Henriques, and spreads out along the city’s seafront. We suggest a walk through this avenue on the seaside.

At the southwest extremity of the city one can find a medieval fortress that once defended the maritime harbour from the attacks of pirates. When walking on the opposite direction one may observe the city’s architecture rejuvenating to our days and finishing at the beautiful marina.

Take your time to sit at the esplanades and observe the city’s movement during the day. At night it is time for a coffee and a digestive, a Portuguese habit after dinner that in the summer is accompanied by live music or shows in the street.

Returning to Portas da Cidade (City Gates) depart heading to the heart of the city and discover the history behind each façade. With no doubt, the first building you see will grab your attention.

It is the Mother Church, a mendicant Gothic monument with Manueline decorations on the exterior.

In this same area you will find the City Hall, a building dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its bell tower dates from 1724 and has a bell offered by the King D. João IIIrd.

Be caught by the enthusiasm and penetrate the puzzling typical narrow streets of the historic centre. Each building tells a bit of the city’s history. Pay special attention to the details of the façades, where you can find doors and windows decorated with masonry work of local stone and iron. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Take a break and rest in one of the many gardens at your disposal. These gardens are also an attraction adorned with beautiful flowers and centenary trees that offer refreshing shade.

Enter the churches and appreciate their interior. Visit the museum Machado dos Santos, where you will find amazing collections of natural history like Zoology, Botanic, Geology and Mineralogy as well as pieces of jewellery, tiles, porcelain, toys and ethnography.

The city as a service of guided walks that cover the whole city.

”A lagarta” (the caterpillar) is an excellent way to get to know the city, specially if you don’t have much time to spend or you just want to have a general quick look.

Another option to have in mind is the romantic carriages pushed by horses.

On foot, on the “lagarta”, by carriage or by car don’t miss out exploring the city because it is worth it.