Vila Nova 2.31

Vila Nova is a civil parish in the municipality of Praia da Vitória on the island of Terceira in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 1,678, in an area of 8.14 km².HistoryIn its early settlement, the area of Vila Nova was known for its abundance of water; in 1891 there were 14 water fountains supplying potable water to the community. Although primarily a subsistence agriculture community, dominated by the harvesting of cereal crops, the area was also a refuge and settlement for many noble families.GeographyThe area is characterized by rocky coastal zone, that includes the bay and beach of Praia das Escaleiras, and a more elevated area that includes prime agricultural lands in Alminhas, Canada do Boqueiro and Canada da Bezerra.Ecoregions/Protected areas Praia das Escaleiras CalvárioArchitectureCivic Chafariz da Canada da Bezerra Chafariz do Pico da Rocha Watermill of Agualva (Azenha da Ribeira de Agualva)Religious Igreja Paroquial do Divino Espírito Santo Império do Divino Espírito Santo Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda