Residencial Sete Cidades

Take a walk through the town and relive the history of São Miguel by stepping on the soil of São Miguel’s first capital. Until 1518 the most important commercial harbour was here.

In 1522 a strong earthquake swallowed the cinquecentist Vila Franca do Campo. This calamity did not weaken the people’s will and characteristic enthusiasm and the town was re-erect and expanded to west.

When entering the city you may observe an interesting architectonic set, with emphasize to the São Miguel church, a 15th century temple, the S. Pedro church of the 17th century, the Santo André church of the 16th century and the S. Francisco Convent, reformed and extended after the destruction of the original temple by the earthquake of 1522.

While exploring the town it is easy to come across the main and most typical handicraft activity of the municipality. Known as the “louça da Vila”, this traditional pottery is manufactured in non-glazed red clay. The main manufactured objects are pots, small pots, wash basins and bowls.

Other traditional objects that make the delight of popular art lovers are lace and embroidery, objects made of osier twig, rag dolls, corn leaf dolls, patchwork blankets made in old weaver’s loom, wood iniatures and artificial flowers made of feathers or fish scales.

Besides the visits to historic buildings, rich in architecture, the town offers attractive gardens and a very interesting typical fishing harbour located at the end of the marginal avenue.

Be sure to taste the local gastronomy, with emphasise to the famous “queijadas da Vila” – small cakes made with cheese, a conventual’s confectionary whose recipe is kept a secret by two families.