Sao Jorge Landmarks & History

Learn more - Sao Jorge island:

Calheta

Built parallel to the coast, its while houses shine among the green of the high neighbouring cliff and the black rocks next to the sea. Old manor houses. Busy fishing port.
Place to visit: Church of Santa Catarina.

Velas

Several noble dwellings testify to its past prosperity and importance. Charming surrounding landscape Interesting rural chapels.
Places to visit: Church of Sao Jorge; Church of Nossa Senhora de Conceicao; Town Hall and Portao do Mar.

Manadas

Picturesque village set among crop lands. Manor houses. Rural chapels with architectural value. Fishing port.
Place to visit: Church of Santa Barbara.

Ribeira Seca

Houses scattered over a verdant faja or coastal plain.
Places to visit: Church of Sao Tiago Maior and House of Gaspar Sliva.

Topo

Place where the discoverers first landed. Settled in 1470. Old town. Picturesque fishing port, Casa dos Tiagos, 17th c. building representative of the noble architecture of the island.
Places to visit: Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario and Church of Sao Francisco.

Urzelina

Village rebuilt after the devastating effects of a volcanic eruption in 1808. Worth a visit are the bell tower that stands out from the lava that buried the old church, the new church (l9th c.) and the chapel of Jesus da Boa Morte.