CAPTAINS GENERAL PALACE

A former Jesuit convent built in the ^17th century, it became the residence of the Captains General of the Azores after the expulsion of the Order in 1759 and the creation of this function in 1766 by the Marquis of Pombal. The courtyard features a fountain and a superb dragon tree. The church is richly decorated in gilded wood and azulejos. There's also a collection of carriages and carts adorned with crystal and ivory lamps. Many come from France, and the names are unmistakable: Sedan, Landau... You can also visit the room where King Dom Pedro IV slept when he came to the island. Today, the building fulfils three specific functions: it is one of the official residences of the President of the Regional Government of the Azores, it houses the administration of the vice-presidency and it has a museological tour open to the public. Visitors are offered a 25-minute guided tour in several languages, including French. It's well worth the effort! For times, see on site.

Right next door, you can visit the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, part of the former Jesuit College, whose six side chapels are richly decorated with religious paintings, gilded wooden altars and ^17th- and ^18th-century azulejo panels. If you're lucky, you'll be treated to an interesting guided tour (in English, free of charge) of the building's decor. Not to be missed!