Sant'Ana Palace celebrates Christmas with public visits and nativity scene in the garden - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The Presidency of the Regional Government opens the Sant'Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada during the Christmas season, providing the population and visitors with a unique experience to discover this emblematic building and its stunning garden, both classified as a Property of Public Interest and a Regional Monument.

This year's celebrations include a traditional Nativity scene set up in the Palace's garden, which will be open to the public with free admission between 10 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. on December 21 and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on December 22, 28 and 29. The nativity scene, with carefully decorated figures integrated into a unique natural setting, adds a special touch to the Christmas atmosphere.

Inside the Palace, the decorations have been prepared to reflect the spirit of this festive season. Visitors can admire a majestic Christmas tree set up in the Great Hall and themed ornaments adorning the historic spaces. The entrance, the grand staircase, the blue room, the dining room and the bedroom of the Marquis of Jácome Correia will also be decorated, creating an atmosphere that combines history and Christmas tradition.

On Saturday, December 21, the Palace will be open to the public between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for free visits, organised in groups of up to 20 people, with a 30-minute break between each group. No prior registration is required and access is on a first-come, first-served basis. The last admission will be at 7:45 p.m.

On December 22, 28 and 29, the space can be visited at the usual time, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The palace and the garden will be closed to the public on December 24, 25 and 31 as well as on January 1, 2025.

The Sant'Ana Palace, also known as the Jácome Correia Palace or the Presidency Palace, is an architectural jewel in the parish of São Sebastião in Ponta Delgada. Built in the 19th century by José Jácome Correia, it stands out for its late Baroque architecture and the artistic richness of its interior, including a valuable collection of canvases depicting the 1901 royal visit by painter Ernesto Ferreira Condeixa.

The Palace's garden, also dating from the 19th century, is another highlight, with exotic botanical species such as the impressive "New Zealand Christmas Tree" (metrosiderus excelsa), whose branches and roots form a unique setting.

Acquired in 1977 by the Regional Government of the Azores, the Palace and Garden complex represents an important part of the Azorean cultural heritage and has been the headquarters of the Presidency of the Regional Government since 1980.

Visits to Sant'Ana Palace, now embellished with Christmas decorations and a nativity scene in the garden, are an excellent opportunity to rediscover the history, culture and heritage of the Azores in an atmosphere of celebration and sharing.

The Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo will also be open to the public with free admission on December 21, 22, 28 and 29 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The space will remain closed on December 24, 25 and 31 as well as on January 1.