Publications
Post-Pandemic Touristification and Sociodemographic and Residential Vulnerability in Macaronesian Historic Centres: Angra do Heroísmo (Azores) and Vegueta–Triana (Canary Islands)
Post-pandemic tourism growth in UNESCO World Heritage Sites leads to distinct sociodemographic and residential vulnerabilities depending on the depth, speed of change, and local governance capacity. A comparative study of Angra do Heroísmo (Azores) and Vegueta–Triana (Canary Islands) reveals that while both sites experience intensified touristification, its effects differ significantly. In Vegueta–Triana, tourism is linked to space commodification, housing pressure, and weakened residential function, whereas in Angra do Heroísmo, it is associated with heritage-based hotel development and functional revitalization, though concerns about population loss persist. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining official statistics (2018–2025), accommodation records, and semi-structured interviews conducted between 2024 and 2025, highlighting the nuanced impacts of tourism on historic centers in Macaronesian island spaces.
Responses to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions under authoritarian rule: a comparison between fascist Italy and Portugal during the Estado Novo
Authoritarian regimes in Italy and Portugal during the mid-20th century demonstrated both successes and limitations in disaster management, revealing deep-seated continuities in vulnerability and resilience that persist regardless of political context. Despite their authoritarian nature, reactive management styles, and lack of democratic accountability, both Mussolini's Fascist Italy (1922–1943) and Portugal's Estado Novo (1932–1974) effectively handled post-disaster responses and long-term recovery in certain cases. However, larger-scale disasters strained their resources, particularly when peripheral areas were involved. In Italy, the rebuilding of Mascali after a 1928 earthquake showcased successful integration of style and substance, while Portugal's responses to the 1957/58 eruption on Faial and the 1964 Azores earthquake relied heavily on local leadership. The 1969 Algarve earthquake marked a shift, with the regime mounting an effective response without local prompting due to changes in cabinet personnel and priorities.
The organ of the parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island (Azores): some notes
A rare surviving example of Portuguese organ craftsmanship from the early 19th century, the organ originally built for the Convent of Luz in Praia da Vitória and later acquired by the Collegiate of Conceição following the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal, stands as a notable historical artifact within the parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island. This instrument, crafted by António Xavier Machado e Cerveira in 1815, represents both a cultural and scientific treasure, offering insights into the organ-building traditions of the Azores during this period. The study provides an overview of its history, significance, and current state, contributing to the understanding of heritage conservation and musical instruments in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Original plant diversity and ecosystems of a small, remote oceanic island (Corvo, Azores): Implications for biodiversity conservation
Research on the remote island of Corvo (Azores) reveals significant gaps in biodiversity knowledge, with evidence suggesting eight local plant extinctions and four species previously classified as 'introduced' actually being native. The study used fossil remains—including pollen, charcoal, macrofossils, diatoms, and sediment geochemistry—to reconstruct pre-colonial ecosystems. Findings indicate that up to 23% of pollen taxa represent extinct or misclassified species, highlighting the dynamic nature of Corvo's environment, which shifted from glacial-era open vegetation to Holocene forests before severe human-induced deforestation. This work addresses critical 'Wallacean' and 'Hookerian' biodiversity knowledge gaps, providing a baseline for conservation efforts on islands with profound anthropogenic disruption.
Stochastic simulation of earthquake ground motions for the seismic assessment of monumental masonry structures: Source‐based vs site‐based approaches
Research demonstrates that both source-based and site-based stochastic simulation approaches yield similar predictions for the seismic response of monumental masonry structures. The study, focusing on the 1998 Faial earthquake (Mw = 6.2) in the Azores, simulated ground motion records at four stations using two methods: a source-based stochastic finite-fault approach and a site-based broadband stochastic method. Investigations were conducted on two masonry facades with varying slenderness levels and an existing monumental structure, São Francisco Church, which sustained damage during the earthquake. Findings indicate that even minor discrepancies in predicted damage patterns can lead to significant errors in displacement predictions, underscoring the importance of precise simulation methods for seismic assessment. This study advances understanding of how simulated ground motion records can be reliably used for the protection and analysis of heritage buildings in seismically active regions with limited real data.
The organ of the Misericórdia Church, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island (Azores): some notes
A rare surviving organ from the workshop of António Xavier Machado e Cerveira, constructed in 1829 for the Misericórdia Church in Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island, Azores), offers valuable insights into the craftsmanship and historical significance of this influential institution. This instrument represents one of the last works from Machado e Cerveira's workshop, providing a tangible link to the musical heritage of the Azores during the early 19th century. The study highlights its architectural and cultural importance within the UNESCO-listed Central Zone of Angra do Heroísmo, contributing to the understanding of the region's intangible heritage.
Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal. World Heritage City: An invitation to Cultural Tourism
Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage City in the Azores, Portugal, stands as a testament to its historical significance and architectural richness. Established in 1534, it played pivotal roles in Atlantic navigation and Portuguese history. Despite a devastating earthquake in 1980 that reshaped the city, its strict orthogonal street layout and architectural heritage were preserved. This study highlights Angra's dual value: as a historically significant site and a promising destination for cultural tourism, complementing the region's established nature tourism. By analyzing its historical trajectory and architectural preservation, the research underscores its potential to enhance cultural tourism in the Azores, contributing to both local heritage appreciation and economic development.
Património musical na Catedral de Angra no século XVII: três livros de polifonia vocal sacra e o seu possível contexto
Research reveals that the Cathedral of Angra, founded in 1534, served as a significant musical center in Terceira Island and the Azores archipelago during the first half of the seventeenth century. Three printed choir books of sacred vocal polyphony, composed by renowned Portuguese musicians Duarte Lobo and Fr. Manuel Cardoso, were identified within the cathedral's collection, dating from 1605, 1613, and 1621. This discovery sheds light on the cathedral's musical heritage during a turbulent period marked by Spanish occupation and prolonged construction of a new cathedral structure, which disrupted its liturgical and musical activities. The study analyzes these polyphony books in relation to their surrounding context, providing insights into the cathedral's musical practices and their connection to broader historical events.
The new town of Angra (Terceira, the Azores): confirming a contested urban planning history using reverse historical analysis and flood modelling tools
A novel approach combining historical analysis with flood modeling reveals that streams played a pivotal, overlooked role in shaping Angra do Heroismo as a major Atlantic urban center. Contrary to long-held assumptions about its development, the study demonstrates that the city's growth was significantly influenced by its strategic location relative to flood risks, which guided early settlement patterns. This interdisciplinary method offers new insights into coastal urbanization and challenges traditional narratives of Angra's planning history.
Embroidered vestments: findings in the Terceira Island (Azores)
A study of embroidered vestments from the Terceira Island (Azores) challenges long-standing assumptions about their origins, revealing that these liturgical textiles were likely produced locally rather than attributed to an English origin as previously suggested. The research examines two sets of vestments—one from the Church of the College of Angra do Heroismo and another from a rural church in Ribeirinha—both featuring intricate orphreys on velvet fabric. By analyzing historical records, stylistic elements, and contextual clues, the study aims to clarify their date and place of production, as well as the process through which they were recognized and preserved as cultural heritage objects. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the presence and significance of such textiles in the Azores, bridging gaps in historical documentation.
Cómo la Macaronesia ha influido en nuestra perspectiva sobre los ecosistemas insulares
Macaronesia, comprising the Azores, Canarias, Cabo Verde, and Madeira, has emerged as a pivotal region for advancing our understanding of island ecosystems. This study highlights how research conducted in Macaronesia has significantly shaped global perspectives on biogeography and conservation. The Island Biology Interest Group (IBIG) organized a symposium during the 'Island Biology 2016' conference in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores, to synthesize past and present investigations from this region. By contextualizing Macaronesian studies within broader island biogeography frameworks, the symposium aimed to bridge gaps between local research and global ecological insights. This approach underscores the region's unique contributions to the field, offering critical lessons for conservation strategies.
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