Sete Cidades, Parish in volcanic caldera, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
Sete Cidades is a parish on São Miguel Island situated within a large volcanic crater approximately five kilometers across. The crater walls rise steeply about 400 meters high, framing the landscape where lakes and settlements can be found.
The area was founded by Christian communities that arrived as part of an early wave of settlement, according to the oldest records. These religious origins shaped how the place developed over the following centuries.
The place takes its name from the church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, which stands at the heart of the settlement and serves as a gathering point for the community. Residents maintain local traditions tied to this religious landmark, shaping daily social life.
The location sits within a volcanic crater with steep walls, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time for walking the paths. Viewpoints along the rim offer panoramic views, and a visitor center provides information about the geology and local landscape.
Within the crater lie two large lakes with noticeably different water colors, one appearing bluish and the other greenish in tone. A bridge spans between them, offering a surprising route through this rare natural setting.
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