Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a viewpoint at the top of Ponta da Espalamaca, a headland in the Conceição parish on the eastern edge of the town of Horta, on Faial Island in the Azores. From here you look over the bay of Horta, the neighbouring island of Pico with its famous cone, and the surrounding hills. The viewpoint is open around the clock.

What is this place?

On the highest point of Espalamaca stands a monument to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Nossa Senhora da Conceição). According to published descriptions, the marble statue stands at roughly 28 m above sea level and is regarded as a protector of the town and the panorama around it. The monument was designed by the Azorean architect Eduardo Read Teixeira in the early 1960s. A storm destroyed the structure in 1969, and the rebuilt monument was completed in 1973. It stands out in the landscape and can be seen from many places around the area.

The monument's name ties in with the parish itself: Conceição is named after its patron saint, Our Lady of the Conception. The parish church bears the same dedication and has three naves with five columns on each side.

What can you see from the viewpoint?

The panorama takes in the whole bay of Horta, which has belonged to the Most Beautiful Bays of the World club since 2012. On one side you can see the historic centre of the town, on the other Almoxarife beach. Your eyes will also be drawn to Pico Island and Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal. In good visibility you can make out São Jorge, and sometimes Graciosa too.

In the foreground you can pick out nearby hills, including Monte Queimado, Monte da Guia, Monte Carneiro, Monte das Moças and Cabeço Gordo. That makes the spot a handy place to get your bearings on the island's geography.

When should you go?

Visibility depends on the weather, and Azorean conditions change quickly. Choose a clear day, when Pico and the other islands show up sharply. Because the viewpoint is open 24 hours a day, you can come for morning light or for sunset. Many visitors combine it with a wider visit to Espalamaca and other sights around Horta.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the viewpoint? At the top of Ponta da Espalamaca in the Conceição parish, Horta municipality, on Faial Island.

Is there an entrance fee? Available sources describe the viewpoint as open daily, around the clock, and mention no admission charge.

What is the main attraction? The marble monument to Our Lady and the views of Horta bay, Almoxarife beach and Pico Island.

Who designed the monument? Eduardo Read Teixeira, an Azorean architect. The design dates from the early 1960s, and after a storm destroyed it in 1969 the monument was completed in 1973.

Which islands are visible? Pico, São Jorge and, in good visibility, Graciosa.