City Hall and Bell Tower, Ponta Delgada

The Ponta Delgada City Hall stands as a 17th-century building, serving as the local municipal authority. Nestled in Praça do Municipio, this small town square adjoins the city gates and hosts various significant landmarks, including the Town Hall of Ponta Delgada and its notable Bell Tower, constructed in 1724.

In this square, visitors encounter a quaint statue, a charming fountain, and a well-kept flowerbed. At times, the municipality organizes local events here, adding a dynamic touch to the serene setting, occasionally decorated quite lavishly for special occasions.

A unique highlight of this site is the opportunity to ascend the Bell Tower. Climbing this 300-year-old tower presents a fascinating experience, seemingly transporting visitors back in time. The stone stairs, particularly the narrow spiral staircase at the tower's peak, measuring a mere 42 cm (16.5 inches) wide, add to the historical ambiance.

Arriving at the tower's top platform provides panoramic aerial views of the surroundings. While there are no safety railings at this height, the visit doesn’t feel perilous as long as one exercises caution, especially with children.

Worth noting, the entrance is free, but due to the narrow stairs and limited space at the viewing platform, only a small number of visitors can access it simultaneously. Consequently, there might be a brief wait to ascend. The climb is relatively quick and not overly strenuous, requiring just a few minutes for the entire visit.