THE PLACE
A marine station, right in the middle of the North Atlantic,
atop enormous volcanoes, offering life and shelter
Monte das moças
Monte das Moças is one of the natural hills that dominate the city of Horta, on the island of Faial, in the Azores. Its elevated position,
just above the city, made it a strategic observation point
for meteorology since the beginning of the 20th century.
Before the observatory, the site was simply a natural elevation with a privileged view over the bay and the sea — informally used to observe the weather and landscape by the inhabitants and sailors arriving or departing for the Atlantic.
On June 29, 1901, the first stone of what would become the meteorological station was laid on Monte das Moças, on land chosen for offering excellent conditions for observing the climate and winds over the ocean, later also integrating volcanological and seismographic recording functions, maintaining its vocation of observing the sky and the sea that have always defined this point.
The name Monte das Moças comes from a reference to the daughters of the Captain, who worked and lived for several years at the Meteorological Observatory and gave so much life to that place.
PRINCE ALBERT
OF MONACO OBSERVATORY
On the slopes of Monte das Moças, above the city of Horta, stands the Prince Albert of Monaco Observatory, a historical landmark of scientific observation in the Atlantic. Its construction was completed in 1915 with the purpose of serving as a meteorological station, responding to the need to study the climate and weather in a strategic position in the middle of the ocean.
In 1923, the observatory was named in honor of Prince Albert I of Monaco, recognizing his connection to the Azores and marine science — especially his pioneering role in promoting meteorology and oceanography in the early 20th century and in Atlantic exploration from Horta.
Since its opening, the observatory has maintained its meteorological functions and, over time, has also integrated seismic and volcanological capabilities, contributing to the observation of the climate and natural phenomena in the region
This place is not just a building: it is a testament to the long and profound relationship between the Azores and the scientific observation of the Atlantic.
