Água de Alto

Trinta Reis

Alminhas

Pico

Eira

Praia

Loural

307 m

207 m

PR39 SMIQuatro Fábricas da LuzDifficulty : Easy Extension: 2,1 km Time Average: 1:30h Category: Linear

MAIN ROADSOTHER TRAILS

TRAIL COURSE

Starting point37° 43’ 56.75” N; 25° 28’ 11.28” O

Bathingarea Highlight

S O MIGUEL

Peak HidroeletricPower Plant

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ELEVATION PROFILEELEVATION (m)

DISTANCE (km)21

TRAILS OF THE AzORES

WALKING TRAILS GUIDE

This small and linear trail is situated along the basin of Ribeira da Praia, on the southern flank of the Volcanic Massif of Fogo. It was here that in 1897 the generation of commercial hydric energy and the provision of public and private lighting in the island of São Miguel was started by engineer José Cordeiro (1867-1908).

PR39 SMI Quatro Fábricas da Luz

The trail begins in the upper area of the village of Água de Alto, more specifically in the Scouts Park of Lagos, in the vicinity of the water reser-voir of Pico da Praia. This park was created by the local representation of the national scouting movement and was conceived for recreational and educational activities, serving twice as the stage of the Azorean Jam-boree, an event that mobilises hundreds of youngsters.

After reading the trail’s information panel that is situated in the car park-ing area, proceed south and cross the gate next to the water stream. A bit further ahead, you will find a reservoir that once supplied Fábrica da Cidade (1904-1974). Presently it supplies the Little Hydric Power Plant of Ribeira da Praia, which was built in 1990 and started producing energy in 1991.

Take the road on the left side of the reservoir, descending toward the old Fábrica da Cidade, where you will see the ruins of two buildings that once were a part of the factory. It was the second hydric power plant built in Ribeira da Praia and it was in operation from 1904 until 1974. Its original purpose was to complement the already successful Fábrica da Vila (built four years before) and assure the supply of elec-tricity to the city of Ponta Delgada. The ruins remind us of the past. We should note that in the adjoining house, where labourers slept, we can see vestiges of an old fireplace. In the hydric plant, we can see old

WALKING TRAILS GUIDE

RIBEIRA DA PRAIA

The stream descends 2000 metres from an eleva-tion of 200 metres with three successive waterfalls. These favourable geographical factors explain why Engineer José Cordeiro decided to construct here the first Hydro-Electric Unit in the Azores, known as Fábrica da Vila (1900-1972). Other hydroelectric units were later built next to the waterfalls, such as Fábrica da Cidade (1904-1974), Fábrica da Praia (1911-1974) - presently the Electricity Museum - and Fábrica Nova (1927-present).

PR39 SMI Quatro Fábricas da Luz

equipment such as hydraulic turbines, alternators and a conduit. Since the buildings are derelict and therefore perilous, visiting the interior of the plant is forbidden.

Continue heading south, passing by a detour to the stream on your left, where you will be able to see the old charging chamber of Fábrica da Vila. Back on the main road, you will quickly encounter a fork. You should take a left and walk until you reach the base of one the waterfalls of Ribeira da Praia. At this point, you will find the ruins of the oldest hydric energy plant in the island - Fábrica da Vila (1900-1972), a plant that supplied electricity for both public and private lighting in Vila Franca do Campo. It was his plant that started hydroelectric energy production in the Azores, the first of four hydric plants built in Ribeira da Praia, a favourable spot from a hydrological and orographic point of view, given the existence of three successive waterfalls.

Follow the signs along the stream and head into a wooded area com-posed mostly of species introduced by settlers, such as Pittosporum undulatum and Acacia melanoxylon. When you reach a cultivated area, descend again to the riverbed where you will enjoy a dive in Cascata do Segredo, located on your left, or Poço dos 30 Reis, on your right.

Next, take the pathway that is flanked by an old conduit, until you reach Praia, a place with some houses. Next, to the fountain, take a right and head toward the old Fábrica da Praia that was in operation from 1911 until 1974 but was later converted into the Museum of Electricity. Here you will find some reproductions of historical documents, photos of those that pioneered the exploration of hydric energy in the island and a luminous panel with a technical blueprint of the plant, among other artefacts of interest. To see the hydric plants that are presently in oper-ation it is advisable to contact EDA Group – EDA Renewables in advance and schedule a visit (eda@eda.pt / 00351 296 202 000).

WALKING TRAILS GUIDE