“Nossa Senhora de Estrela” Church – Built in 1517, destroyed by the earthquake of 1680 and rebuilt again. On the front of the church the masonry is done in basalt, and on the side a bell tower was added. The high altar retable (which also includes 18th century engravings) and the Capela dos Reis Magos, (Three Kings Chapel), are both from the 16th century. In the vestry, a small museum exhibits religious art. Also of note is the pipe organ in the high altar built in 1855 by Sebastião Gomes de Lemos. It was restored in 1987 by Dinarte Machado.
Holy Spirit Church – Igreja do Espírito Santo. The church was born from the unification of two chapels, thereby justifying the existence of two portals. The façade is decorated with shell like designs moulded from soft stone and is one of the few existing examples of this baroque style in the archipelago. It belongs to the Irmandade da Misericórdia (Sisters of Mercy).
The 8 Arches bridge, the ex-libris of the city. It was built in the 19th century and connects the shores of the river after which the city is named.
Various chapels dedicated to saints are valuable and picturesque examples of the popular baroque architecture. Interesting manor houses are found in and around the city.
Saint Francis of Assisi’s Church – Igreja de S. Francisco de Assis – (Presently hosts a museum dedicated to the Franciscans religious order) Built in the 17th century next to a convent which now serves as the hospital.
The City Hall – Built in the 17th century with a clock tower and a double stairway similar to the City Hall in Ponta Delgada.
The Municipal Museum is an old manor house, built in the 18th century, known as “São Vicente”. In the chapel, admire the finely carved retable and the statue of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Masonry, pottery and tile works are displayed. At Christmas time visit the wonderful “Presépio”.
O Fontenário (the Fountain) – The remains of a 16th century fountain visible below ground level and one of the few remains of the town destroyed by the volcanic eruption in 1563.
O Surf encontra aqui local privilegiado para a sua prática. A Ribeira Grande é intitulada como a “Capital do Surf” nos Açores e motivos não lhe faltam. Aqui se celebram, todos os anos, etapas do circuito mundial da modalidade.
Ribeira Grande is known as the azorean “Surfing Capital”. Every year surfers from aroun the globe gather here for an important round of the World Surf League.