Volcanic-Speleological Museum

To travel to a past when earthy upheavals built islands and shaped nature

Since the beginning of its activity that the Association “Os Montanheiros” (The Mountaineers) shows a strong connection to Island geology and a special appreciation for the unique formations and natural structures that volcanic cavities contain. During the first speleological  expeditions that took place in the 1960’s, the first samples were collected and brought to daylight for scientifc purposes as well as to enhance curiosity for such a cause, then at its start.

The samples became an ensemble worthy of exhibition, first temporarily, in rudimentar shelves, and later on a permanent basis, open to the community. More fieldwork was carried out, through which part of the vast collection here presented was gradually gathered, namely a rich and diversified set of rocky samples, taken from the surface and the interior of these islands and particularly from the volcanic cavities spread across the archipelago.

To the geological material, other thematic areas were joined: a xylotheque, as well as clay from Terceira Island, volcanic ashes, sand from several countries, some rare fossils, marine and earth shells and a set of scale models three-dimensionally representing some Azorean islands.

Nowadays, this is an educational space, eliciting hundreds of curious visitors, namely local school groups and tourists who find here the possibility of better knowing the natural heritage of these islands.

Volcanic-Speleological Museum branches: Os Montanheiros Association building; Algar do Carvão and its visitors center; Gruta do Natal and its visitors center.