The next stop for the day was to the Azorean History Museum which used to actually be a convent. It was only $2 per person to get in and was actually very interesting, and had much more in it than we expected. It had everything from 400 year old headstones and stone cutting work, to a beautiful church with incredible statues, railings, and organ, to an art exhibit, war time artillery and uniforms, and even furniture, housewares, and clothing from past Kings and Queens. We even got to learn about some of the tools used in early agriculture. It was really quite an informative museum and quite random at times. It even had a modern art room with weird flashing lights and super crazy artwork. Needless to say it went beyond our low expectations! ha ha!
This headstone was actually quite sad. It apparently was for an English man (aka: why its not in Portuguese) who had quite the unusual death story as told below. Its hard to see so I will type it out for you. It reads: “Sacred to the memory of John Watkins. Late master of the Brittish Schooner Nymph. Who departed this life on the 28th of January 1825. Aged 24 years old. While endeavoring to board his vessel of this port in a gale of wind he was driven on the rocks where he perished.” Poor guy! Not a great way to go! And apparently the headstone never got used? Not sure why its in the museum and not over his body???
Terribly blurry picture, but it shows my crazy rock climbing husband! đ
This open area reminds me of the convent used in the Sound of Music movie.
The Church was absolutely stunning with lots of intricate details, statues, and art.
I loved the orange on the pillars next to the green mossy cobblestone.
Another kind of random interesting room was filled with artwork by some Korean motorcyclists who drove their bikes around the world and took pictures along the way. This picture was one they took in Mongolia I believe.
Another shot they took during their travels going around the world. Not sure where this one is.
These next few pictures show some of the early pots and tools used on the island.
Adam and I thought think this is one of their first boogie boards! đ ha ha!
In reality though they used to stand on this while a horse pulled it along to break up the ground.
Wood carving of Christ with his apostles.
We also got to learn about and see quite a bit of the Royal history in the Azores. Apparently the Azores at one point was the where all the government leaders would meet to discuss the countries affairs.
A painting of Mount Brazil and a look at the city in the early days.
I think I see a resemblance! đ
These carriages that were carried by men were so interesting to me. They seriously were SO SMALL! I couldn’t figure out how I’d even get even one leg to fit in!
Here is a look at the inside.
Some furniture and portraits of some of the Portuguese Royalty.
Some of the jewelry and medals worn long ago.
I loved the pictures of the ships on the angry stormy seas!
Some of the artwork in the church in one of the upper rooms. This was where the Choir would sing back in the day. I’m still curious as to how the chairs worked. The arm rests were super high and the seats could be put down. Maybe thats how they would stand when singing?
Beautiful beautiful organ!
Looking down from the choir area at the church below.
The stone artwork on the walls was really quite exquisite and showed stories from the bible.
So fascinating how they used to set the print for books and newspapers.
Royal Horse-ware!
The artillery room
There was much more than this as well that I didn’t get pictures of, but wow was it a long and interesting museum. We were glad we went.