Lagoa between Sacred Art and the Sea

Lagoa combines historic sacred art, Azorean traditions and experiences by the sea. Those looking for a holiday apartment on São Miguel can combine cultural discoveries with walks, garden visits and days at natural swimming pools. Lagoa is particularly interesting for travellers who do not want to limit their stay to a single activity, but instead wish to choose between history, religious art and landscapes.

Sacred Art and Living History

One prominent building is the Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz, which was built in the 16th century. Since 2017, its adjoining rooms have housed the Coleção Visitável da Matriz de Lagoa. The collection presents religious sacred art from the end of the 16th century through to the 21st century. Exhibits include sculptures, goldsmithery, ceramics and Azulejos, vestments, as well as the art of puppet making. This provides a varied introduction to the island’s religious and artisanal traditions.

The Núcleo Museológico do Presépio in the Convento de Santo António is also dedicated to a special aspect of regional culture. The exhibition, focused on the birth of Christ, includes scenes from Azorean life, including the veneration of the Holy Spirit and the procession of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. The Jardim do Convento de Santo António displays features of a romantic garden dating from the end of the century, is located on the grounds of the former monastery kitchen garden, and serves as a place for relaxation and walks.

Further cultural facets can be found at the Casa da Cultura Carlos César and the Tenda do Ferreiro Ferrador. The Casa da Cultura is located in an old residential building from the 17th and 19th centuries that was converted for cultural activities in Lagoa. The Tenda do Ferreiro Ferrador is associated with the Benevides family, who, as masters of blacksmithing and farriery, produced agricultural equipment and kitchen utensils. During the Christmas season, the Câmara Municipal de Lagoa organises the Concurso de Presépios every year.

Sea, Natural Swimming Pools and Walks

Lagoa’s seafront includes Avenida do Mar at Baía de Santa Cruz, with its promenade by the sea. For a stay with varied daily rhythms, it complements the museums and historic sites with an open landscape setting. The Zona Balnear da Lagoa consists of a complex of natural swimming pools. The average water temperature there is 21 °C in summer. Those who want to combine culture and water can deliberately set these two focal points against each other when planning their trip.

The exhibition pavilions and laboratory facilities of the Observatório Vulcanológico e Geotérmico dos Açores are located on Avenida Vulcanológica.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Lagoa, it helps to first determine the preferred mix for your stay. Families who want to gather several cultural impressions can include sacred art, the monastery garden, the cultural centre and the two museum collections in their plans. For quieter days, the promenade, the natural swimming pools and the garden offer different focal points. The key factor is less a general classification of the place than the question of which experiences you would like to combine during your stay.

For your further search for suitable destinations, you can also explore Fenais Da Luz, Ponta Delgada, Faja de Cima, Água De Pau, Porto Formoso, Lomba Da Maia, Candelária and Feteiras.

For the higher-level travel overview: S.Miguel.