Centro di interpretazione ambientale di Furnas

The Furnas Monitoring and Research Center (CIAF) was created with the purpose of disseminating the history and evolution of the Furnas Volcano and the intervention of the Landscape Laboratory in the protection and recovery of ecosystems in the protected landscape area.

He was the winner of the "Premio Internazionale Architettura di Pietra 2011 - XII edizione" and finalist of the SECIL prize in 2013. It was the cover of the Spanish publication "El Croquis" and a prominent target in some architecture websites. In 2016, he won the "Tour Operator of the Year for Saint Michael" in the "Holiday & Tour Specialist Awards" category of the Luxury Guide Awards.

The CMIF functions as an observatory and center of integrated knowledge dissemination, assuming, from the outset, an important role in translating scientific language into forms of dissemination of knowledge, capable of captivating visitors for a better understanding of the particularities of geodiversity, biodiversity, hydrology and culture.

It includes an auditorium for workshops and seminars and a large covered area for exhibitions which, through interactive mechanisms, accessible tools for users, multimedia platforms and guided tours, lead visitors to discover the history of the Furnas Volcano, the lagoon ecosystem and the Landscape Laboratory.

In addition, there are adjacent outdoor areas, namely snacking and contemplation areas and a large green space with a privileged view over the lagoon, where visitors can enjoy the landscape and develop leisure activities.