Ribeirinha (Horta)

Ribeirinha (translation "small stream") is a parish in the district of Horta in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2001 is 439, its density is 39/km² and the area is 11.27 km². Ribeirinha is linked with the road linking Horta and Cedros and also encircles the island as well. The mountains dominate the most part while farmlands are mainly within the Atlantic Shoreline.

Nearest parishes

*Salão, west
*Praia do Norte, south

Geography

The parish is located in the highest elevations. Located in its two small streams and fertilizes its agricultural farms. The two residents constitutes a parish with the area between two mountains. The volcanic complex of Riberinha is a part of the much older island of Faial.

The elevation south of Riberinha namely Lomba Grande with the highest elevation of 543 m is partially covered with fauna and natural species of the Azores. Its countryside is made up of an extraordinary beauty. The elevation with the boundary to its north, the Lomba da Ribeira with an altitude of 209 m, which is of a volcanic-originated plateau, the Trás-da-Serra. This plateau is made up of farmlands, typical stone constructions and diversed natural views. The area is a protected countryside.

History

The name of the parish is derived from a small stream, Ribeira da Ribeirinha. The Porto da Boca da Ribeira, an old fishing port forms the northernmost point of the Faial Channel.

The first inhabitants founded a farm located about 2 km from the sea. The area later suffered several pirate raids.

Espalhafatos which is home to 40% of the parish. The name was first mentioned in 1640 when the Portuguese residents in Cedros expulsed the Spaniards from the parish.

Population history

*1643: 254
*1890: 1,112
*1940: 1,031
*2001: 439

Ribeirinha Lighthouse

This lighthouse is a triangular tower. The building is accessed with pavement. It was first constructed in May 1915 and was complete on November 1, 1919. The lighthouse suffered damages in the earthquake of July 9, 1998. The epicenter was in a submerged tectonic fault around 5 km from the Ponta da Ribeirinha.

The demolition of the building and was made rebuilt and with concrete in 2001, The objective of preserving the landmark rebuilt the lighthouse. It marks an important history of the parish and the island. The lighthouse is made up of optic (partly made up of crystals) and the lantern of the lighthouse (partly in red), a World Heritage Site.

Economy

In 1890, the population was at 1,112. The number has never surpassed, it declined, in 1940, the population dropped to 1,031] Emigration to other parts of the world caused a population that declined to 439 to this day, due to the difficult in socio-economics and low standard of living.

External links

* [http://www.azoren-online.com/faial/tipps/sehenswuerdigkeiten/ribeirinha/index.shtml azoren-online.com] - (in German)