Angra
Scot Free III
Frank & Anne
Mon 2 Sep 2024 17:41
Terceira, meaning “third”, is the third largest island and also the third to be discovered in 1441. Vasco da Gama came here in 1499 to bury his brother who died at sea. There is a monument of him, striding into the city.
All the white stones for the pavements are imported, the black basalt is local. In mainland Portugal the opposite is the case. They go to huge effort to lay very attractive pavements. Mostly constructed from miniature, black basalt, cobble stones with complex lines and designs (ships, fish etc.) made from the imported white limestone all individually cut to shape. It must be difficult enough to lay initially but re-laying after a leak or sinkage is a jig saw puzzle nightmare. A real labour of love.
Monte Brasil is the extinct volcano that emerged from the sea and joined Angra, it provides shelter for boats on either side and is a nature reserve. The crater looks stunningly fertile.
Passed by numerous monuments . Alfonso 6th overlooking the city from Monte Brasil.
