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A Quick History of the Azores
A Portuguese sailor, Diogo de Silves, claimed the Azores for Portugal in 1427. Within 12 years the Portuguese had charted seven of the islands and in 1443 built the first settlements.
In 1452, Captain Diogo de Teive sighted the final two islands of Corvo and Flores. The settlement of the islands was broken into captaincies, with each captain responsible for bringing settlers and building infrastructure. The rich farmlands, abundant water and mild climate made the Azores an inviting place for the new arrivals. They grew wheat and other grains and soon found out that a wide variety of plants, collected by Portuguese explorers from around the world, could flourish.
Because of the Azores' strategic geographic position, the archipelago became the center of navigation between Europe, Africa, the East and the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries. This period saw several major naval battles off the coast of the Azores between Spanish and English fleets, as well as with pirates. Subsequent centuries saw the development of the islands, the introduction of new agriculture and the development of cattle breeding and fishing industries.
Isolated from the rest of the world, the Azores progressed at their own pace, fending off pirates, building trade with both sides of the Atlantic and living through periods of great prosperity due to high demand for their oranges, wines and whaling. Today the Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal with a regional parliament and government. Ponta Delgada is the seat of the government ministries, while the regional parliament meets at Horta, and the regional president has offices in Angra.
The elegant and expansive architectural palette of the islands reflects that history. Ranging from gothic to mannerist to Baroque, the Azores offers every major Portuguese style since 1450 and with a unique local flair – the use of volcanic stone for building materials. The period from the 15th to the 18th centuries brought great public works and religious building projects. Azorean Baroque has a character all its own due to the local black stone and the lag time with trends from the rest of Europe.
Angra do Hero청o (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the first Atlantic city built, according to Renaissance 16th century planning standards and is rich in cultural heritage, with well-preserved churches, palaces and fortresses.
The Azores developed their own culture and lexicon, as well as a wealth of writers and poets. Azoreans are their own people. They are proud of their heritage, independence and strong character that helped them turn nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic into such a special place.