Vila Nova (Praia da Vitória)

Template:Infobox Portuguese subdivision 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,<ref>Instituto Nacional de Estatística</ref> in an area of 8.14 km².<ref>Eurostat Template:Webarchive</ref> 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.

History

Template:Stack 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 (Template:Langx)

Religious

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