The Portas da Cidade (“City Gates” if translated) are an ex-libris of the city of Ponta Delgada. They are located in the parish of São Sebastião, former Matriz, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada in São Miguel, in the Azores.
They built the Portas da Cidade in the 18th century next to the extinct pier of Ponta Delgada, and later transferred them to Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral during the works on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique.
Consisting of three imposing arches delicately decorated with symbolic elements, such as the Royal Coat of Arms and the City Coat of Arms, the City Gates are a historical and cultural landmark of great tourist interest.
What Are the Portas da Cidade
The Portas da Cidade are one of the main tourist attractions in Ponta Delgada. This imposing monument was built in the 18th century and is considered a historical and cultural heritage of the archipelago.
Did you know
Portas da Cidade is classified as a Property of Public Interest, by Decree-Law No. 39,175, of April 17, 195.
Considered a visiting card of the city of São Miguel, the Portas da Cidade consists of three arches decorated with sculptural and ornamental elements, including symbols of the city and the archipelago.
The Portas da Cidade provided access to the old city of Ponta Delgada. However, people currently use this important architectural work as a meeting point or a reference point for visitors.
History and Geography
The Portas da Cidade de Ponta Delgada is an 18th-century monument with strong inspiration from baroque art. This is one of the architectural landmarks of the capital of the island of São Miguel, in the Azores.
They built them in 1783 next to the old pier on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, also known as Avenida Marginal de Ponta Delgada. However, in 1952, they transferred them to their current location at Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral.
The City Gates consist of three basaltic stone arches, with the central one being the largest. They feature baroque decorations, including symbols of the city of Ponta Delgada and the Azorean archipelago.
Did you know
In 2006, a replica of the City Gates was donated to the city of Fall River, USA.
Over the years, several personalities, presidents of the republic, and even kings have passed through the Portas da Cidade, making this place one of the main tourist attractions in Ponta Delgada.
Culture and Festivities
Portas da Cidade is located in a very central area of Ponta Delgada. In this sense, due to its privileged location, this place is the setting and stage of many events and celebrations that take place in the city.
This architectural work of great scale captures the attention of all who see it. Therefore, it is normal that the list of events held in Ponta Delgada that have the Portas da Cidade as a backdrop is quite extensive.
- Azores Airlines Rally;
- Festivities of the Divine Holy Spirit;
- White Party of the City;
- Christmas and New Year celebrations.
What to do at the Portas da Cidade
The arches of the Portas da Cidade stand in Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral. From this place, you can see:
- The historical center of the city of Ponta Delgada;
- The Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, also known as Igreja Matriz;
- The statue of the navigator Gonçalo Velho Cabral;
- The Raiz Bar, is a place of excellence for good moments of fun.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the entire area surrounding the Portas da Cidade. Here, you will find several historical and cultural buildings, traditional trade establishments, markets, gardens, and souvenir shops, among others.
Explore Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square
With great historical and cultural importance, Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral aims to honor Gonçalo Velho Cabral, one of the first Portuguese navigators to discover and explore the islands of the Azorean archipelago.
In Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral, in addition to being an outdoor space, with a privileged view over the sea, you will find monuments and sculptures that make this place a point of great interest and popularity among residents and tourists.
- The statue of Captain Donatário Gonçalo Velho Cabral;
- The Portas da Cidade monument, an ex-libris of Ponta Delgada;
- The Mother Church of São Sebastião.
Quick Info
Gonçalo Velho Cabral was the first Donatory Captain of the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria, where he disembarked in 1432, and he was also responsible for the settlement of these islands in the 15th century.
Discover the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião
They built the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, also known as Igreja Matriz de Ponta Delgada, between 1531 and 1547. It has a facade in Manueline style with the presence of decorative elements from the time, such as coats of arms with royal weapons and arrows with arrows of the martyrdom of the saint.
The population built the Mother Church, appealing to the Holy Protector of the Sick for a miracle to end the plague that ravaged the city between 1523 and 1531.
This architectural work underwent some alterations throughout the 18th century, with the insertion of Baroque elements. As for the interior, the religious building is rich in gilded carving and high-quality local wood.
Regarding furniture, this church has several jacaranda furniture from the 17th century and an extensive collection of gold-embroidered vestments.
Have Fun at Root Club
Raiz Club is located in the historic center of Ponta Delgada, with a privileged view over many monuments. The establishment has been open to the public since 2016 and is located on the 1st floor of a 19th-century house.
If you are looking for a pleasant space to enjoy concerts by Portuguese bands of the most varied musical styles and gatherings, Raiz Club will always be a suitable option for your Fridays and Saturdays.
The ArchDaily website, a reference in the world of architecture, has already highlighted the architecture and design of Raiz Club.
Plan Your Visit to the Portas da Cidade
The City Gates of Ponta Delgada are an unavoidable cultural landmark of the city. Its history and beauty deserve to be appreciated with time. Therefore, we suggest that you plan an itinerary with all the places you want to visit, in and around the historic center of Ponta Delgada.
Don’t forget to decide which activities and experiences you don’t want to miss out on. Search for several options and book in advance to get good prices.
Where to Eat Near the Portas da Cidade
If you need a place to eat near Portas da Cidade, click here. In this link, you will find the Top 10 restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where to Stay Near Portas da Cidade
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Best Time to Visit Portas da Cidade
The island of São Miguel is in the Eastern Group of the Archipelago. Here you will be able to notice the atypical characteristics of this climate. It results from many factors contributing to its plant exuberance and landscape value.
On average, temperatures vary between:
- 16. º in spring;
- 21. º in summer;
- 18. º in autumn;
- 14. º in winter.
Thus, if you want to enjoy this island’s splendour (São Miguel) and this specific place, the best time to visit it will be between May and September when the probability of rain is lower.
On the other hand, if you would like to make your trip in this time-space, we advise you to organize and book your stay and flights as soon as possible – prices tend to go up a lot.
What to Do Around the Portas da Cidade
In addition to the Portas da Cidade, the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and the statue of Gonçalo Velho Cabral, the capital of the island of São Miguel has several places that are equally worthy of your visit.
Therefore, below, we will list some main points of tourist and cultural interest that you should not miss during your visit to the island.
Mercado da Graça (Farmers Market)
Mercado da Graça is located in the parish of São Pedro, in the city and municipality of Ponta Delgada. This market is one of the most emblematic places in the city and is located in a small and busy square.
Did you know
Until the 19th century, there were no specific places to sell agricultural products and livestock in Ponta Delgada. Everything happened on the south side of the Matrix and in Arcadas do Cais, also known as Arcadas da Feira.
With liberalism, the need arose to build a new market, worthy and suitable for merchants. The Chamber deliberated on March 16, 1847, to build the Mercado da Graça on Rua do Mercado, completed in 1848.
Mercado da Graça offers a wide variety of high-quality regional and fresh products, such as fruits, vegetables, and roots. In addition, there are also fishmongers, butchers, and some shops selling flowers, souvenirs and regional handicrafts.
Discover the Church of Santo Cristo and the Church of Colégio dos Jesuítas
The Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas Church, along with the Santo Cristo Church, was built in the 16th century as the Society of Jesus expanded to the Azores from 1591 onwards.
The Church of Santo Cristo, also known as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, is located in the heart of the city of Ponta Delgada and underwent some changes in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Inside you can find the house of prayer, the famous image of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, composed of a beautiful set of ornaments in gold and precious stones. There are also sculptural and ornamental decorations of great richness and cultural interest.
Quick Info
Also known as the Church of All Saints, the Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas began to be erected on November 1, 1592 — All Saints’ Day.
The Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas church draws inspiration from the architectural style of baroque art. It meticulously decorates its volcanic stone facade with exuberant elements and features gilded carvings on the main altar and 18th-century tile panels.
Public Library and Regional Archive of Ponta Delgada
The City Council founded the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive in 1841 and opened it to the public in 1846. In 1931, it passed to the General Board of the District of Ponta Delgada, creating a district archive of the city in the annex.
The Public Library and Regional Archive of Ponta Delgada are responsible for organizing and making available a repository of the historical memory of the Azores, particularly of the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria.
This library keeps documentation from notaries and conservatories dating back over 30 years and also has one of the largest and richest Camonian collections in the world.
Stroll through the António Borges Botanical Garden
The António Borges Botanical Garden features romantic and picturesque surroundings that harken back to the 19th century.
This large green space in Ponta Delgada ranks among the city’s largest gardens and is widely regarded as one of São Miguel’s most pleasant locations. Jardim António Borges is also the “stage” for various cultural, recreational, and sporting activities.
The magnificent António Borges Botanical Garden is a municipal park with an endless variety of botanical species. This property has several trees and fascinating plants of great interest in the region for its uniqueness.
Did you know
António Borges Medeiros was an Azorean linked to politics and business who always showed great interest in botany and in the insertion of new species in São Miguel.
Explore the Pineapple Plantations of the Azores
Producers grow pineapples in greenhouses in the Azores. Many producers are spread across the island of São Miguel.
São Miguel is the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in greenhouses, with around 6,000 plantations across the island. These pineapples are grown in volcanic soils and watered with thermal waters, giving the fruit a unique flavor.
It is one of the main tourist attractions in the region, where visitors have the opportunity to learn about the pineapple growing process, from planting to harvesting. In addition, you can also enjoy guided walks and tastings of pineapple-based products.
Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video — Portas da Cidade, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel, Azores)
FAQs
What are the Portas da Cidade?
The Portas da Cidade are a monument composed of three arches made of basaltic stone, adorned with sculptural and ornamental elements, including symbols of the city and the Azores archipelago.
Where are the Portas da Cidade located?
The Portas da Cidade is located in Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island, Azores, specifically in Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral.
How to get to the Portas da Cidade?
To reach the Portas da Cidade in Ponta Delgada, you can walk along Avenida Marginal or use public transportation or a taxi, as they are easily accessible on foot from the city center.
What are the must-see points in Ponta Delgada?
Must-see points in Ponta Delgada include the Portas da Cidade, Mercado da Graça, Jardim António Borges, and Forte de São Brás.
Conclusion
The Portas da Cidade de Ponta Delgada is a historic monument dating from the 18th century that attracts national and international visitors daily.
Built-in basaltic stone and decorated with Baroque elements and symbols of the city and the archipelago, this monument marked the main entrance to the old city of Ponta Delgada.
This emblematic place hosts many events and festivities in the city and includes all tourist routes.
Due to its central location, the surrounding area of the monument will find numerous must-see places in Ponta Delgada.
Take the opportunity to know and explore this beautiful city!
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Perguntas e Respostas sobre a História dos Açores. 2.ª Edição, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. e Rodrigues, J. (2019). Dos Vulcões dos Açores. (4.ª Edição). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
