Vila Nova (Praia da Vitória)

Vila Nova is a civil parish in the municipality of Praia da Vitória on the island of Terceira in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 1,678,[1] in an area of 8.14 km².[2] It contains the localities Alminhas, Canada da Bezerra, Canada da Estaca, Canada do Boqueiro, Faias, Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, Ribeira de Agualva and Vila Nova.

Vila Nova
Civil parish
Praia das Escaleiras, on the northern coast of Vila Nova
Vila Nova
Location in the Azores
Vila Nova
Vila Nova (Terceira)
Coordinates: 38°46′51″N 27°8′43″W
Country Portugal
Auton. regionAzores
IslandTerceira
MunicipalityPraia da Vitória
Area
 • Total8.14 km2 (3.14 sq mi)
Elevation
56 m (184 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total1,678
 • Density210/km2 (530/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−01:00 (AZOT)
 • Summer (DST)UTC±00:00 (AZOST)
Postal code
9760-701
Area code292

History
Allegorical carts during the Festas do Espírito Santo in Vila Nova

In its early settlement, the area of Vila Nova was known for its abundance of water; in 1891 there were 14 water fountains supplying potable water to the community. Although primarily a subsistence agriculture community, dominated by the harvesting of cereal crops, the area was also a refuge and settlement for many noble families.

Geography

The area is characterized by rocky coastal zone, that includes the bay and beach of Praia das Escaleiras, and a more elevated area that includes prime agricultural lands in Alminhas, Canada do Boqueiro and Canada da Bezerra.

Ecoregions/Protected areas
  • Praia das Escaleiras
  • Calvário

Architecture

Civic

Religious
  • Igreja Paroquial do Divino Espírito Santo
  • Império do Divino Espírito Santo
  • Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

References
  1. Instituto Nacional de Estatística
  2. Eurostat Archived October 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
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