Lagoa brings together two distinct themes for a trip: religious art and cultural history on the one hand, and the waterfront and natural swimming pools on the other. In Santa Cruz, the sights range from the 16th-century Igreja Matriz to a collection of sacred art. There is also a nativity scene exhibition featuring Azorean motifs, a historic residence with a cultural role, and a garden on former monastery grounds. By the water, Avenida do Mar and Zona Balnear da Lagoa offer different points of interest. When planning your stay, you can consider whether culture, historic buildings or the coast is your main interest.

Sacred art across the centuries

The Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz was built in the 16th century. Since 2017, its adjoining rooms have housed the Coleção Visitável da Matriz de Lagoa. It presents religious sacred art dating from the end of the 16th century to the 21st century. The works represented include sculptures, goldsmiths’ work, ceramics, azulejos, vestments and puppet-making art. The collection’s time span extends well beyond the church’s construction period; at the same time, the variety of works shows that it is not limited to a single type of sacred art.

Nativity art and Azorean motifs

The Núcleo Museológico do Presépio at the Convento de Santo António offers another perspective on the religious culture of the Azores. Its exhibition focuses on the birth of Christ and also includes scenes from Azorean culture, including devotion to the Holy Spirit and the procession of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. It thus connects the nativity theme with two specific religious expressions of the Azores. During the Christmas season, the Câmara Municipal de Lagoa holds the Concurso de Presépios each year.

Cultural sites, crafts and gardens

Casa da Cultura Carlos César is housed in an old residence dating from the 17th and 19th centuries, which was adapted for cultural activities in Lagoa. Tenda do Ferreiro Ferrador is also associated with the Benevides family: as master blacksmiths and farriers, the family made agricultural tools and kitchen utensils. This connection to craftsmanship adds another dimension to the local cultural history alongside religious art. Jardim do Convento de Santo António is located on the grounds of the former monastery vegetable garden and is a place to relax and stroll.

Seafront promenade and natural swimming pools

On the Baía de Santa Cruz, Avenida do Mar offers a seafront promenade, while Zona Balnear da Lagoa is a complex of natural swimming pools. The average water temperature at Zona Balnear is 21 °C in summer. This figure is seasonal: it describes the summer average, not a year-round value. When planning and deciding between a seafront promenade and natural swimming pools, note that Avenida do Mar and Zona Balnear offer two different focal points.

Discover more destinations: Pico Da Pedra, Remédios, Sao Roque, Ribeira Seca, S. Vicente Ferreira, Achada, Algarvia, Aflitos

For the broader travel overview: S.Miguel.