São Jorge

1,053-metres high, this is the highest peak of São Jorge from where one can see the other islands of the central group.

A nature reserve and special ecological area, it is considered to be a sanctuary for body boarding and surfing. It is the only place in the archipelago where clams (Tapes decussatus), a local delicacy, grow.

Typical homes built in black stone with sash windows, and small farms, whose production is all for the farmer's own consumption. This fajã is one of the most pictoresque on the island.

Weaving in manual looms has subsisted in this fajã since the sixteenth century. Various stitching techniques are applied to produce beautiful bedspreads and carpets. Because of the micro climate of this fajã, coffee is planted here for local consumption.

In addition to providing ethnographical information on the island, this center exhibits several pieces, including pieces related to agriculture and flax production.

La ‘Poça dos Frades’ è una formazione geologica situata nel território del comune di Velas. Queste piscine naturali sono tra le più conosciute dell’isola, ed anzi la loro fama si è già estesa a tutto l’arcipelago.

This museum displays a large collection of religious statues and silver pieces.

This church from 1700 stands out for its stonework.

Church built in the 17th century and likely to have been the first church on the island. It was built under the order of D. Henrique with the purpose of replacing a 15th century temple.

The Town Hall of Velas is a good example of the 18th century Baroque architecture.

A nesting place for birds on the eastern side of the island. During the summer, cows swim to the islet to graze there. Topo is also well known for the quality of its cheese.

The Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo Interpretation Centre (CIFCSC) was created in order for visitors to learn about the geological, biological and human history of the Fajãs de São Jorge (coves), in particular, the fajãs of Caldeira de Santo Cristo and of Cubres.

The building was originated from the reconstruction of an old housing and its support house, which retains the original and traditional frontage.

It was a highlight target in several websites and architecture magazines and was the cover of the C3 Korean magazine. It integrated the “Mostra Ibérica de Património Arquitéctonico – La MIPA” project, within the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2013 "Close, Closer".

At the reception you can enjoy a rest area and see the space which recreates an old oven, decorated with reproductions of support tools.

In the exhibition room, visitors can find technical information in a multimedia kiosk and take a trip through time from the formation of fajãs up to today. You can also see several documentaries about the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and others of ethnographic character.