Largo do Pelourinho

The heart of Vila Baleira is a triangular square planted with palms, bougainvillea and dragon trees — the Macaronesian tree whose red resin, "dragon's blood", was used in dyes, varnishes and remedies. It links the old town hall, part of which dates from the 16th century, to the mother church, built on the island's first chapel (1420–1446). A step away on Rua Cristóvão Colombo stands the small 16th-century Mannerist Misericórdia chapel and, on the other side, the new town hall and the Centro Cultural e de Congressos, where the town's main events take place. Terrace cafés; stages for the Columbus Festival in September.