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 | |
|---|---|
 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. region | Azores |
| Island | Terceira |
| Municipality | Praia da Vitória |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.14 km2 (3.14 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 56 m (184 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 1,678 |
| • Density | 210/km2 (530/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−01:00 (AZOT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC±00:00 (AZOST) |
| Postal code | 9760-701 |
| Area code | 292 |
History
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
- Chafariz da Canada da Bezerra
- Chafariz do Pico da Rocha
- Watermill of Agualva (Portuguese: Azenha da Ribeira de Agualva)
Religious
- Igreja Paroquial do Divino Espírito Santo
- Império do Divino Espírito Santo
- Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda
References
- Instituto Nacional de Estatística
- Eurostat Archived October 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine