são jorge island

azores

São Jorge, long volcanic mountain range, is presented as one of the vertices of the so-called “Islands of the Triangle”. This island is known for its innumerable fajãs, pieces of land that embrace the sea and offer peace, tranquility and comfort to those who go there.

From the ocean that surrounds us, we take the memories of the walks around the island, the wonderful landscapes of the seafloor of an afternoon of diving, of extreme sports by our splendid rivers and also the memory of the beautiful colors that the sunset reflects In our seas.

Tradition and local gastronomy are something that everyone who visits us wants to know and experience. Strolling along the marginal roads contemplated with the presence of the neighboring island of the Peak we find nooks that tell us stories of yesteryear that only leave one day to return!

Historical Facts

The borough of Urzelina includes the localities Ribeira do Nabo and Castelestes and is located on the Island os São Jorge, Azores, about tem kilometers away from the municipality of Velas, main town of the administrative district of the same name to which it belongs. It’s patron saint is São Mateus (St. Matthew) whose celebration feast takes place on the first Sunday after the 21st of September. São Mateus was na apostle and evangelist named Levi, son of Alfeu and was a tax collector amongst the romans.

In early years and until the 18th century, the name of the borouch was written “Urzelinha”. The name originated from a plant called “urzela”, a lichen providing a violet dyestuff, which was ine of the first income sources during the colonization of the Island.

In 1570, Urzelina already had a small harbour, undergoing further develoments in 1625 and 1647 with the help of the captains and the crews of three boast from Velas. In 1580, the borough experienced a violent vulcanic eruption. But, according to frei Diogo das Chagas, in 1642, Urzelina had ninety homes and a population of two hundred and fifty and seventy seven children. By that time it also had a company of militia, commanded by Custódio Gonçalves. In 1647 Urzelina separated from de parish of Manadas in 1647 and formed its own parish. On the 1st of May of 1808, a strong eruption caused substancial damage to the town, which had to be entirely rebuilt.

One of the most damaged buildings was the parish church, rebuilt in 1822.
Initially, the economic activity concentrated on the exportation of the verdelho wine from Casteletes ando of oranges, mainly to England. During the 19th Century, the borough expanded a lot, developing industries alongside the exportation business, like two molasses distillation factories for aguardente and one pottery. Still in the 19th Century, two dairy factories existed in Ribeira do Nabo. In the 20th Century, comercial activities are still importante, with increasing industries and port operations, like tuna fishery.

Nowadays, the main economic activities of Urzelina as cattle breeding, retail and the hotel sector.Amongst the importante cultural and architectural legacies are the mentioned parish church, the Casa dos Maios, the house of Francisco de Lacerda, the Tower of São Mateus and several windmills allocated around the borough.Urzelina is a borough with its very own characteristics, a special micro-climate, a green coastline with pines and crystal clear bays of unequaled quality you will not be able to resist to, as they are definitely swimming áreas par excellence.