Ponta Delgada Citywalk

  
In the beggining, Ponta Delgada was just a small piscatory village and Vila Franca do Campo was the Azorean capital city. Then, an earthquake devastated Vila Franca do Campo in 1522, destroying its main buildings and killing numerous people.

After this event, Ponta Delgada became the only place with enough infrastructure to support the Azorean bureaucracy and economy. In 1546, during the reign of King D. João III, the village of Ponta Delgada was elevated to a city status turning into one of the most important Azorean citys. Later on, in 1582, one of the largest Anglo-French forces sailed against Spain to preserve the Portuguese control of the Azores. This event became known as the naval Battle of Ponta Delgada.

Nowadays, Ponta Delgada is the largest municipality of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and also a beautiful city with very interesting cultural and historical sites where you can see and learn more about São Miguel Island heritage, such as: Portas da Cidade, “St. Cristo” Church, “Mãe de Deus” Chapel, “São José” Church, Carlos Machado Museum and “Forte de São Brás”.