Project Description

The Twin Lake of the Azores

On São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago, there is a twin-lake situated in the crater of a massive volcano. As the legend goes, a long time ago there was an ancient kingdom on the island of São Miguel, and in it lived a Princess named Antilia. Her protective father, the King, forbade her from leaving the castle grounds and as time passed, few others laid their eyes on the beautiful princess. One day when the King went to sleep after lunch, she decided to defy her father and escaped to the local hills and valleys, walking through meadows and forests. She heard a song that led her to a young shepherd sitting on top of a hill playing a flute. As they talked, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company they fell in love with each other. They continued to meet in secret, becoming more and more passionate as days went by. Eventually the King became aware of their connection, and after meeting with his daughter he forbade her from seeing the young shepherd ever again. Desperate, but not wanting to further anger her father, Antilia requested one last meeting with the young man. As they talked and said goodbye to each other both of them started to cry, tears falling on the ground. Their sadness and passion was so great that from the tears that flowed from the blue eyes of the princess, the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) formed, and from the green eyes of shepherd – the Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon). Even today these two lakes remain in the Valley of the Seven Cities, to remind all who pass there of the legend and the tragedy of two lovers.