History of São Jorge

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of São Jorge begins during the Age of Discovery. The island was discovered by Portuguese navigators in the mid-15th century, presumably around 1439, shortly after the neighbouring islands of the central Azores group. Active settlement of the territory began in the 1460s, when the first colonists arrived from continental Portugal, as well as settlers from Flanders.

Key Development Factors

The development of the region was defined by several important circumstances:

• Complex Geography: The island is a narrow mountain range with steep cliffs. This forced settlers to develop unique coastal terraces — fajãs — formed by lava flows and landslides, where the microclimate was most favourable for living.
• Strategic Location: Being in the centre of the archipelago, São Jorge became an important point on maritime routes, although the lack of large protected bays, like those on neighbouring Terceira, limited its role as a major trading port.
• Isolation: Difficulties in access from the sea contributed to the formation of a self-sufficient community relying on internal resources.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was based on agriculture. Thanks to fertile volcanic soils, wheat and woad (a plant used to produce blue dye) were successfully cultivated here and exported to Flanders and England. An important role was played by Willem van der Hagen (known here as Guilherme da Silveira), a Flemish nobleman whose presence left a mark on the local culture and toponymy.

Already in the first centuries, cattle breeding began to develop here, which subsequently led to the creation of the famous local cheese, which became the island's hallmark. Despite periodic pirate raids and natural disasters, the local residents managed to preserve a unique way of life, closely linked to the ocean and agriculture.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1439 — Presumed date of the island's discovery by Portuguese navigators during the era of Henry the Navigator.
• 1460 — Beginning of the active settlement of São Jorge, when the first colonists founded a settlement on the site of the modern city of Velas.
• 1500 — Velas receives the status of a town (Vila) by decree of King Manuel I, becoming the administrative centre of the island.
• 1583 — The island passes under the rule of the Spanish Crown during the Iberian Union, like all of Portugal.
• 1641 — The island's inhabitants enthusiastically welcome the news of the restoration of the Portuguese kingdom's independence.
• 1708 — Local militia successfully repels an attack by French pirates commanded by René Duguay-Trouin at the port of Velas.
• 1757 — A massive earthquake occurs, known as the "Judgment of God" (Mandado de Deus), destroying the eastern part of the island.
• 1808 — A volcanic eruption in Urzelina destroys the local church and covers vast agricultural lands with lava.
• 1964 — A strong earthquake in the Rosais area causes significant damage to the western tip of the island and forces the temporary evacuation of residents.
• 1982 — The opening of São Jorge Airport marks a new era in transport accessibility and tourism development on the island.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of the formation of São Jorge is inextricably linked to human attempts to adapt to the complex volcanic terrain and benefit from its strategic position in the Atlantic. The main milestones of the island's development reflect the path from an isolated agrarian colony to a modern tourism and gastronomic centre.

• Establishment of Velas and Calheta Municipalities (16th Century)

  Granting the status of "Vila" (town) to the two main settlements definitively formalized the administrative structure of the island. This event consolidated a bipolar management system and promoted the development of urban infrastructure: the construction of town halls, courts, and paved streets, around which public life was formed.

• Woad and Grain Economic Boom (16th–17th Centuries)

  Thanks to the export of wheat and woad (a dye plant) to Flanders and England, the island received a significant influx of capital. This wealth allowed for the construction of majestic churches in Mannerist and Baroque styles, adorned with gilded carvings, which became the foundation of the region's cultural heritage.

• Settlement of Fajãs (Coastal Terraces)

  A unique urban planning and agrarian solution was the settlement of flat areas of land at the foot of the cliffs — fajãs. A special microclimate formed here, allowing for the cultivation of grapes, yams, and even coffee. This created a unique landscape pattern on the island, where seasonal migrations of the population between the peaks and the coast became part of cultural tradition.

• Rise of the Cheese Industry (19th–20th Centuries)

  The transition from home cheese making to the creation of industrial dairy cooperatives became a key economic breakthrough. The famous São Jorge cheese received protected designation of origin status, turning into the main export product and a symbol of the economic resilience of local farmers.

• Development of Canned Food Production

  In response to the industrialization of fishing in the 20th century, factories for processing tuna opened on the island (for example, in Calheta). This ensured economic diversification, created new jobs, and reduced the residents' dependence on farming, integrating Portugal and the Azores into the global seafood market.

• Overcoming Isolation: Airport and Ports (1980s)

  The construction of the airport and the modernization of sea harbours radically changed the lives of the islanders. Improved logistics facilitated the export of goods and opened the island to international tourism, which led to the construction of hotels, roads, and the development of the service sector.

• Recovery After Earthquakes

  Natural disasters (especially in 1757 and 1964) forced residents to rebuild cities, implementing more seismic-resistant technologies. These periods of reconstruction renewed the architectural appearance of settlements, making them safer and more organized.

Urban Planning and Landscape Adaptation

The architectural appearance of the island of São Jorge was formed under conditions of complex terrain. Due to steep slopes and a narrow coastline, settlements developed linearly along roads or nested compactly on flat coastal terraces — fajãs. The main urban centres, Velas and Calheta, emerged around natural harbours protected from winds, where administrative and commercial life was concentrated.

A characteristic feature of local architecture is the use of black volcanic stone (basalt) to frame corners, doors, and windows against the background of snow-white plastered walls. This contrast has become the hallmark of Azorean architecture.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

It is difficult to identify "pure" European styles in their classical sense on the island; regional interpretations adapted to local materials and climate are more common.

• Mannerism and "Chão" Style (16th–17th Centuries): Early religious and civil architecture is distinguished by severity and monumentality. Buildings have massive walls and minimal decoration, which was necessary for protection against pirates and the elements. Examples include old fortifications and parish churches in their original form.
• Baroque (18th Century): A period of economic prosperity brought wealth to the island, expressed in the lavish decoration of temples. Azorean Baroque manifests here not so much in the complexity of external forms as in luxurious interiors: gilded woodcarving (talha dourada), azulejo tile panels, and painted ceilings.
• Vernacular Architecture (18th–20th Centuries): In rural areas, especially on the fajãs, traditional houses with cisterns for collecting rainwater and tiled roofs have been preserved. A special place is occupied by the Impérios — small, brightly painted chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit. They date mainly from the 19th century and combine elements of Neoclassicism with folk decor.

Iconic Structures

Several key objects define the historical appearance of the island and serve as markers of its development within the country of Portugal:

• Church of Santa Barbara (Manadas): Recognized as one of the finest examples of Baroque in the entire archipelago. Built in the 18th century, it looks restrained on the outside, but inside it impresses with a rich altar made of cedar and Brazilian gold, as well as unique tile panels recounting the life of the saint.
• Portão do Mar (Velas): The "Gate of the Sea", erected in 1799. This arch was part of the defensive wall and served as the main entrance to the city for those arriving by sea. It symbolizes the era when the city was a fortress protecting trade routes.
• Church of São Jorge (Velas): The main temple of the island's capital, founded back in the 15th century. The building has undergone many reconstructions but has retained Mannerist features and elements testifying to the antiquity of the settlement. Its massive tower dominates the city panorama.

Distinguished Personalities

The history of the island of São Jorge is rich in the names of people whose deeds and talent have left a noticeable mark not only in the chronicles of the Azores archipelago but also in the culture of the entire country of Portugal. Among the natives and residents of the island are pioneers, defenders of their homeland, patrons of the arts, and artists.

• Guilherme da Silveira (Willem van der Hagen) (15th Century)
  First settler and administrator
  A Flemish nobleman who became one of the key figures during the settlement stage of the Azores. He founded a settlement in the Topo area and played a decisive role in the development of the island's economy by introducing the culture of woad (a dye plant), which linked the archipelago with Flanders through trade ties.
• Simão Gato (16th Century)
  Military hero and defender of the island
  Famous for his courage during the attack of English corsairs commanded by the Earl of Essex in 1597. According to historical chronicles, in the battle at Calheta, he managed to capture the enemy banner, becoming a symbol of the resilience of local residents in the face of external threats.
• João Soares de Albergaria de Sousa (1776–1875)
  Politician and publicist
  A prominent figure in the liberal movement and a large landowner. Author of the work "Corografia Açórica" (1822), in which he was one of the first to justify the need for administrative autonomy for the Azores and defended the rights of the local population.
• João Inácio de Sousa (1849–1925)
  Philanthropist and patron
  A native of Velas who emigrated to the USA and made a fortune there. Returning to his homeland, he dedicated his life to charity: a hospital and an almshouse were built with his funds, and the creation of musical philharmonic societies was financed. His contribution to the social development of the island is immortalized by a monument in the city centre.
• José Cândido da Silveira Avelar (1843–1905)
  Historian and ethnographer
  Author of the fundamental work "Island of São Jorge: Notes for its History", which remains the main source of knowledge about the region's past, its traditions, genealogy, and natural disasters.
• Francisco de Lacerda (1869–1934)
  Composer, conductor, and musicologist
  The most famous native of the island in the world of art. Born in Ribeira Seca, he gained recognition in Europe, studied and worked in Paris, and was acquainted with Debussy and d'Indy. Lacerda is considered one of the founders of Portuguese symphonism and a passionate collector of Azorean musical folklore.