Postcards Around the World: Azores

Showing posts with label Azores. Show all posts

2013-09-12

Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores - Portugal

Sent by Lurdes

"Located along the maritime coast, in the south-east corner of the island of Terceira, called Ponta das Contendas, it is situated in an elevated zone, resulting in a focal point that is 54 metres above sea level. Although protected by a wall, the lighthouse (ARLHS AZO-007; PT-745; Admiralty D2664; NGA 23532 is on the edge of a high cliff, and accessible only from the Estrada 509, alongside several agricultural fields." In: Wikipedia

2013-08-13

Farm in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores - Portugal

Unused

A typical view of a farm in Angra do Heroísmo.

2013-07-05

Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores - Portugal (UNESCO WHS)

Unused, sent by "gracinha"

"Situated on one of the islands in the Azores archipelago, this was an obligatory port of call from the 15th century until the advent of the steamship in the 19th century. The 400-year-old San Sebastião and San João Baptista fortifications are unique examples of military architecture. Damaged by an earthquake in 1980, Angra is now being restored." In: UNESCO

2013-06-30

White marlim in Azores - Portugal

Unused, sent by Sapic12

"White marlin (Tetrapturus albidus) are large, elongated fish with a large upper jaw that forms a spear which is round in cross-section. They are dark blue to chocolate-brown in color. Although generally considered to be a rare and solitary species relative to other similar fish, white marlin occur in small groups consisting of several individuals." In: Wikipedia

2013-05-11

Algar do Carvão, Terceira Island, Azores - Portugal

Sent by Lurdes

"The Algar do Carvão is an ancient lava tube or volcanic vent located in the center of the island of Terceira in the Azores. It lies within the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo in the parish of Porto Judeu.

The word, algar, is a Portuguese word that denotes a natural cavity in the earth that, unlike most caves or caverns, is vertical in its orientation, like a well. The Portuguese word derives from the Arabic word, al-Gar, which means "the crease". Carvão means "coal" in Portuguese, but the Algar do Carvão is not a source of coal; so, to call this geological feature "coal cavern" is more an acknowledgment of its darkness than the composition of the rock in which it was formed." In: Wikipedia

2013-04-29

Common dolphin, Azores - Portugal

Unused, sent by Sapic12

"Common dolphins live in both warm-temperate and tropical waters ranging from 40-60°N to 50°S. Long-beaked common dolphins mostly inhabit shallow, warm costal water. Short-beaked common dolphins are common "along shelf edges and in areas with sharp bottom relief such as seamounts and escarpments". Common dolphin have a varied diet consisting of many species of fish and squid. This includes both mesopelagic species and epipelagic schooling species. They have been recorded to make dives up to 200 metres (660 ft) deep.

Common dolphins can live in aggregations of hundreds or even thousands of dolphins. They sometimes associate with other dolphin species, such as pilot whales. They have also been observed bow riding on baleen whales, and they also bow ride on boats. They are fast swimmers (up to 60 km/h), and breaching behavior and aerial acrobatics are common with this species." In: Wikipedia

2013-04-20

"Impérios" of Terceira Island, Azores - Portugal

Sent by Lurdes.

The "Impérios" are small colorful buildings, similar to chappels, in honor of the Holy Spirit.

2012-12-31

Christmas postcards 2012 (III)

Sent through Facebook app PunChristmas

Pineapple from S. Miguel Island, Açores (Azores), sent by Lurdes

"Merry Christmas" by M. Vitória Nogueira, sent by Flora

Burney Falls located in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, sent by PilotOne.

2012-12-30

Postcrossing Meeting in Angra do Heroísmo, Açores - Portugal

Last October, "martinha" visited the Terceira Island in Açores (Azores). There she have met Lurdes. From both I received these beautiful postcards:

Marina of Angra do Heroísmo, UNESCO, sent by "martinha"

Puffin, sent by Lurdes

Rochopper penguin, sent by Lurdes

2012-01-23

Angra do Heroísmo's Cathedral - Portugal

A great surprise from Lurdes: the Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo, at Terceira Island, Azores.(UNESCO)

"The Igreja do Santíssimo Salvador da Sé is the Cathedral of the Azores. The Church is an impressive building, built in the late 16th century. The main façade is constituted by a church porch, a high fronton with a clock, a main bell tower complemented by two lateral bell towers, with the spire pinnacles covered in blue and white tiles laid in a diamond pattern. The altar has a valuable carved silver frontispiece dating from the 18th century and polychrome azulejo tiles. Worldwide reputed for its outstanding acoustics, the Cathedral has become a favourite recording place." In: Portugal Attraction