MONITORING AND INVESTIGATION CENTRE

Opened on July¹, 2011, this research center, housed in an ultra-modern building of stone, glass and wood, works to monitor and recover the water quality of Lake Furnas. For beneath its idyllic exterior, this area suffers from a real environmental problem: excessive pollution due to repeated human intervention. During your visit, you'll learn that before the last eruption in 1630, the lake - which was occasionally relocated - was devoid of any animal presence. It was humans who, after the event, began to introduce fish into the lake, thus unbalancing the ecosystem. Later, and until recently, over-intensive dairy farming exacerbated the phenomenon.

To get to the center, please note that the road is normally only open to people with reduced mobility. For the rest of you, leave your car in the parking lot (for a fee) and walk along the lake shore on a footpath for around 15 minutes (1.1 km one way). This short, pleasant walk along the water's edge will also allow you to see the neo-Gothic funeral chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, built in 1864 by José do Canto. Despite its abandoned appearance, it can actually be visited for €3, along with the surrounding botanical garden and small waterfall.

Once at the interpretation center, allow 30-45 minutes for the tour, which includes a short film explaining Furnas' volcanic activity and a short exhibition with interactive elements. You'll be warmly welcomed: the staff can arrange a 45-minute guided tour (book 48 hours in advance in high season), and tea is free!

Today, a dozen people work at this center, which is supported by local government and European funds. It includes an auditorium for workshops and seminars and a large covered exhibition space which, thanks to interactive mechanisms, user-friendly tools, multimedia platforms and guided tours, leads visitors to discover the ecosystem of the lagoon and the local flora and fauna. There are outdoor spaces, including picnic and contemplation areas, as well as a large green space offering a privileged view of the lagoon, where visitors can fully enjoy the scenery. An unmissable visit to Furnas.