When you leave Fronteira heading towards Nossa Senhora da Vila Velha, you get one of the best understandings of the region’s history, as you see how beneficial this hill was for standing guard over and defending the crossing of the Ribeira Grande (Big Stream). As you go along the stream, you can feel the effects of the abundant nature teeming with life and see how humans have taken advantage of the resources offered by this same nature. The fields stretching endlessly before you are dotted with whitewashed houses on the horizon. It is charming beyond measure.