History

The Azores belong to Portugal since its discovery in 1427 - with the exception of the period between 1580 and 1640 in which they belonged to Spain-, in spite of which in several periods of its history expressed its own coins - nowadays, its official currency is the Portuguese shield-.

The first island was discovered in 1427, being from then successively colonized during the XVth and XVIth century for Portuguese and Flemings, who introduced cattle, corn and vineyards.

Due to its situation and the harsh winds the ports of its islands were a place of scale and provisioning for galleons in the long trips of exploration and trade it was doing the New World. Port of Angra do Heroism, in Terceira, prospers thanks to this trade.

For the same reason, the waters of The Azores were also a field of business for pirates and corsairs, they had great activity and in those who sank several ships, still is said that the treasures are in its warehouses. The risk of pirate’s assaults gave place to the construction of numerous fortifications, among which emphasized São João's Baptista historical castle, constructed by Philip II in Terceira, to give protection to these ships that were coming to Europe loaded with treasures.

Another activity that characterizes The Azores o was two centuries ago, when they began to end up at Faial American whale-boats, which not only they were giving mood to the crews but harpooners were contracting azorianos, famous for its value and skill. During the XIXth century, the islands continued being a port of scale for the ships whale-boats, while during the XXth century they were used as stations of meteorological observatories and air military bases.

These days, the majority of the islanders devote themselves to the agriculture or to the fishing of the tuna, as main sustention the Peninsula and with its communities of emigrants of The United States and Canada.