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PRAIA DA VITORIA

Praia da Victoria

The seat of the Captaincy of Terceira in the early settlement period

(1456 to 1474) and made a town in 1640, Praia (as it was

then simply called) took part in the economic prosperity

of the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Near the

town, and with the participation of its inhabitants, the

battle of Salga was fought in 1581. The pretender to the

throne, Dom António, Prior do Crato, was acclaimed king

when he landed at Praia in 1582. The struggles between

liberals and absolutists brought Praia back to the pages

of history once again. In 1829 the town, supporting the

liberal cause, heroically and successfully resisted an

attack and attempted landing by an absolutist fleet of 21

ships with highly superior forces. It was this fact that

led to the town's being granted the title of Praia da

Vitoria in 1837

Its economic importance and growth, achieved in spite of

the earthquake of 1841 which partially destroyed it,

justified its being raised to the status of a city in

1981. A large new oceanic port, recently built,

decisively contribute to its progress

Places to visit: Parish Church; Church of Senhor Santo

Cristo; Fort Santa Catarina; Town Hall; Historic centre.

The long, sheltered sands of Praia da Vitoria are one of

the most welcoming beaches in the Azorer A seaport was

built with a 1,400 metre long jetty

An excellent vista of the coast and town can be had from

the belvedere called Miradouro Riviera, on the cape known

as Ponta do Cabo

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