Originally, the only access to Angra do Heroismo was from the sea. So, there was a city gate through which all visitors passed. The photo below depicts the city gate for Angra Do Heroismo.
The City Gate to Angra do Heroismo from the Sea
In 1499, Vasco da Gamma walked through that gate. He was on the return trip from his first voyage to India. Trying to reach mainland Portugal was proving to be difficult due to contrary winds and currents he was forced to take a wide route. Vasco decided to divert to Angra do Heroismo on the Island of Terceira in the Azores; the capital city of the Azores at the time.
There was a sense of urgency. Paulo da Gamma, Vasco’s brother, became ill on their return voyage. In Angra, Paulo was cared for by the nuns at
He did not survive his illness. Vasco had his brother burried there on the island in a shallow grave covered with a marble stone bearing his name in the porch of the sacristy of the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia. Today this is the Museum of Angra do Heroísmo.
Vasco was profoundly upset. He stayed in Angra for two to three months mourning over his brother’s death.
The photo below shows a statue to Vasco da Gamma commemorating this visit. This story is carved into the marble stones in-front of the statue,
Statue of Vasco da Gamma walking through the City Gate.