Volume 17-2
Land, Sea and Skyscape: Two Case Studies of Man-made Structures in the Azores Islands
Fernando Pimenta, Nuno Ribeiro, Anabela Joaquinito, António Félix Rodrigues, Antonieta Costa and Fabio Silva
Abstract
Two case studies in the Azores islands show possible integration of elements of landscape, seascape and skyscape in the way two different types of artificial structures were aligned. The major axes of the Maroiço structures from Pico Island may have been aligned on the summit of Pico Mountain and, reciprocally, on the setting sun at summer solstice over the neighbouring Faial Island. The artificial caves near the sea excavated in Monte Brasil, Terceira Island, may have integrated solar calendrical marks, especially for the Equinox sunset over the distant S. Jorge Island.