 |
| News > Commentary - Mount Brazil is result of old volcanic eruption, relaxing leisure spot |
|
|
| |
| Photos | |
 |
Mount Brazil is actually the result of an old volcanic eruption that originated the mount with its shape.
|
Download HiRes
|
|
|
|
Mount Brazil is result of old volcanic eruption, relaxing leisure spot
Posted 3/29/2012 Updated 3/29/2012
Email story
Print story
Commentary by Eduardo Lima
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
3/29/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Portugal -- Mount Brazil, standing next to the city of Angra, is actually the result of an old volcanic eruption that originated the mount with its shape. This elevation, although small, is a very pleasant area offering visitors some interesting vistas and a relaxing leisure spot.
One of the many attractions of Mount Brazil is the big stonewall that is part of the São João Batista fortress. This wall is more than three miles long and partially surrounds the base of Mount Brazil, separating it from the rest of the island. The fortress was built by order of Phillip II of Spain when he took the Portuguese throne in 1580 and is one of the largest former Spanish bulwarks in the whole world.
The fortress' construction began in the beginning of the 17th century and concluded in 1640 when the people of Terceira rebelled against the Spanish occupation of the island.
A number of famous and prominent Portuguese people were imprisoned in the fortress, including King Alphonso VI, the father of the former President of the Republic, Mario Soares and the chief of an important tribe from the former Portuguese African territory of Mozambique, Gungunhana. The Portuguese Army's Regiment of Garrisson No.1 currently occupies the fortress.
Another site worth visiting is the monument on top of Mount Brazil. This is actually a replica of the stone monument the Portuguese explorers placed in the different territories they discovered around the world. Engraved with the dates 1432 and 1932 on each side, it was erected to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores by Portuguese navigators. The monument is located on a place called "Pico das Cruzinhas" (Little Crosses Pike). This is where the Spanish installed the gibbets where some of the island's leaders were hanged during the Spanish occupation as retaliation for the resistance offered by the island's population against the Spanish presence. This site is a must-visit place, not only for its historical significance, but also for the stunning panoramic view of Angra and surrounding villages.
Visitors can also find a picnic area not far from the monument, a very enjoyable recreational place, especially during the summer months. It offers barbecue grills with stone tables and benches and has plenty of trees and shrubs that provide a pleasant shade to picnickers.
The center of Mount Brazil is actually a huge crater of an extinct volcano that is used as a firing range by the Portuguese Army stationed at the fortress and is the only area off limits to visitors.
Mount Brazil can be visited everyday between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. during the summer months. Admittance is free.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
