Location: Ponta Delgada
Top Things to do in Ponta Delgada
The 6 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Ponta Delgada, Azores
Ponta Delgada (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpõtɐ ˌðɛɫˈɣaðɐ]) is the largest municipality (concelho) and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. The population in 2011 was 68,809, in an area of 232.99 square kilometres (89.96 square miles). There are 17,629 residents in the three central civil parishes that comprise the historical city: São Pedro, São Sebastião, and São José. Ponta Delgada became the region's administrative capital under the revised constitution of 1976; the judiciary and Catholic see remained in the historical capital of Angra do Heroísmo while the Legislative Assembly of the Azores was established in Horta.
Restaurants in Ponta Delgada
1. Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By Nanette132 - Brisbane, Australia
An easy walk to this lovely old church from the port. We were to go on a free walking tour from near here but they didn't show up so we visited the church. The outside was plain but lovely inside, in the distinctive Portuguese style. You can walk up to the Botanic Gardens E1 for seniors and the Sant Ana Palace in the Park from here and also the very interesting Fort Sao Bras and Military Museum. Pick up a map as you leave the ship, ask them to mark the highlights and walk the narrow streets of lovely Ponta Delgada. The Sol Mar supermarket is across the street from the port, cheap water, beer and wine in Litre cartons, easy to carry back on the ship.
2. Igreja de Sao Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By AkoSiAys - Bonn, Germany
It is a big church in front of a square. I love its facade although it the architecture is just typical to the islands. The main altar is golden and majestic! The side altars with all its design are also very pretty. The ceilings with its paintings are worth a look. Some side chapel also got azulejos on the walls. I went there in the morning and I was alone in the church. It is very peaceful!
3. Igreja do Santo Cristo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By AkoSiAys - Bonn, Germany
At first I thought it was not a church as the facade is simply white with some volcanic rocks. The church is not big but it has a big golden main altar and pulpit. The walls also got azulejos. The interior design is really amazing. This church is home to a miraculous image of Jesus Christ and is very much venerated in the island. Because of this, many locals visit the place to pray.
4. Ermida de Nossa Senhora Mae de Deus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By DrLepervanche - Jacksonville, United States
We arrived to Ponta Delgada looking for interesting places to visit. From our cruise we saw this church on top of a hill and we planned to hike there. After attending mass in town we walked the streets until a narrow street took us to the top of the hill. I was surprised to see that the Hermitage of the Mother of God was not listed in TripAdvisor. The hermitage was closed but it was the best views of Ponta Delgada.The hermitage is beautiful and it is painted with same colors as other churches in the area.
