Algarvia was almost uninhabited until the 16th century, not being mentioned by the greatest Azorean historian of that century, Gaspar Frutuoso. It was established as a parish in 2002 and currently has about 290 inhabitants. The name of this village comes from the fact that the land had been inherited by a woman from Algarve, widow of the original owner, also a native of the Algarve.
What to see in this parish:
* Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo
This church was built in the 17th century by Captain Francisco Costão. In the course of time, it was necessary to build a larger temple. The current church was built in the 19th century (1865).
* Niche a Nossa Senhora do Romeiro
Niche built along the Regional Road and dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Romeiro, the first on this invocation across the island, dedicated to religious pilgrimages at the time of Lent. It was blessed in March 1965, and its construction was supported by Padre Domingos Inácio Machado.
* Triato of the Holy Spirit
“Triatos of the Holy Spirit” are constructions associated with the festivities in honor of the Holy Spirit, intended to display the symbols of the Holy Spirit, including the royal crown surmounted by a dove, flag, scepter, traditional masts. They are built in a rectangular one floor plan. It is located on Rua do Triato and was opened on 27 July, 2001. It is surmounted by a crown of the Holy Spirit carved in basalt.
* Fontains
The fountains played a very important role in people's daily life. In a not too distant past, there were no sources of tap water to supply several localities. There are 11 fountains on the parish of Algarvia:
1. Located on Rua da Quinta. The structure is rectangular and bears the inscriptions "1973" and "CMN". The central part is carved in basaltic rock.
2. Located on Rua do Triato and opened on 27 July, 2001. Bears the inscription "2002". It is white with a basaltic rock frame.
3. Located on Rua do Triato. Bears embossed inscriptions, "CMN" and "NSA SRA". The side wall bears the inscription "1910", also embossed.
4. Located on Rua do Atalho built in stonework, near the Public Garden of Algarvia. It is part of a wall forming a niche.
5. Its located at Rua Dom David Dias Pimentel. It is a fountain painted in white with gray frame and two fountains.
6. This rectangular fountain is located on Rua do Cemitério.
7. Fountain in basaltic rock, located on Rua da Canada.
8. Built in basalt shaped in an inverted "T", located on Rua da Canada. Bears embossed inscriptions, "1928" and "JG".
9. Located on Rua da Canada, built in stonework and inserted into a wall, in a recess of the street.
10. Located in the Viewpoint of Vigia das Baleias. This rectangular fountain is built in stonework, has a tiled roof and bears the inscription "JFA".
11. Located on the Regional Road, bears the inscriptions "1981" and "CMN".
* Bandstand
The bandstand is used to shelter music bands during concerts, festivals and other events. It is a symbol of celebration and remains, to this day, an important stage for performances to many communities. It is located in front of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo. It has access stairs, tiled roof and a musical symbol on top.
* Old Sinks
The sinks or washing tanks are vestiges of the past. When the urbanization intensified, cities built public sinks for people without great possessions, so that they didn’t had to walk to the streams. The only old sink of Algarvia is located on Rua do Triato (currently out of use).
* Classified Building with Municipal Interest
A significant example of civil architecture in the parish, integrating a urban structure of great architectural interest. It consists of the dwelling house and outbuildings, dating from the second half of the 19th century. The owner was the physician, Doctor João Cabral. The building is. Integrate the corrals attachments and stone walls constructive and formal characteristics to the other buildings. It is currently a home of Housing tourism. It is located on Rua Dom David Dias Pimentel.
* Viewpoint of Despe-Te-Que-Suas
Attractive view to the sea and slope, as well as to the surrounding parishes. With Pico da Vara in the background, this viewpoint is also a pleasant picnic area.
* Viewpoint of Vigia das Baleias
The economic activity of whaling is strongly connected to the parish of Algarvia, as testified by the old lookout, which gives a magnificent view of the northern coast of the island. There is also homage to the Virgen Mary in a small niche. The park is equipped with haystacks for picnics, barbecues, restrooms and a playground.
* Public Garden of Algarvia
Located on Rua do Atalho, this public garden was inaugurated on 26 July, 1996 by the City Council of Nordeste. It is a garden of cobblestones, raised lawns with flowers, trees to provide shade, benches and a fountain.
* Picnic Park from Viewpoint of Despe-Te-Que-Suas
Landscaped garden with stone tables and benches, located next to the Viewpoint of Despe-te-Que-Suas.
* Picnic Park from Ribeira Despe-Te-Que-Suas
This picnic area is located on the Regional Road of Algarvia, more precisely next to the bridge that crosses the stream Despe-te-que-suas. It offers haystacks, tables and grills.
* Picnic Park of Viewpoint of Vigia das Baleias
Situated next to the Viewpoint of the Vigia das Baleiras, this park is equipped with haystacks for picnics, barbecues, restrooms and a playground.
* Picnic park of Ribeira da Mulher
Located on the Regional Road of Algarvia, on both sides of the road. On one side, barns, tables and grills and, on the other side, tables. Notice the Niche of Nossa Senhora do Romeiro.
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