The island of Graciosa, situated in the central group of the archipelago of the Azores was the last central island that the Portuguese arrived, which, according to the work of Gaspar Frutuoso, Saudades da Terra, possessed this name because it was the “most haunted”, this in the sense of amazing, beautiful, and graceful, as the name itself indicates, in comparison to the other islands.
The exact date of its discovery is unknown, however due to its proximity to the central islands, the island of Graciosa was sighted from the islands of Terceira and São Jorge, and in the first half of the 15th century it had already been explored. Its settlement began in the second half of the four hundred’s, by order of the captain donatory of the islands, Infante D. Henrique, whose first settlers came from inland mainland Portugal.
Like the other islands, Graciosa also suffered attacks from pirates and corsairs, during the XVI and XVII centuries, which caused great difficulties for the population that lived in a state of upheaval. However, in the face of these adversities, the inhabitants of Graciosa were able to establish themselves on this island, as well as their livelihood, insured by agriculture, livestock, and vineyards, propitiated by its fertile soils. This situation, which today is still visible, reinforced by the production of dairy products, which maintains the image of rurality of the island.
Throughout history, some prominent personalities passed through this island that are related to diverse historical events in the country, namely, Father António Vieira, in the 17th century, when the ship he was travelling on was shipwrecked off the island of Corvo, having stayed in Graciosa for a determined period. Almeida Garrett, a great Portuguese romantic writer and playwright, would also have passed through Graciosa.
Currently, the island of Graciosa has around 4301 inhabitants, although this is a small number, this island still assumes its position in the archipelago by keeping up with the other islands. Administratively organized by a county, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, which is divided into 4 parishes, Graciosa managed to develop its economy over the years, which is not only based on agriculture, but also in the tourism sector, which ends up having a great economic impact on the island, due to the attraction of visitors by its natural beauty.
Last modified: 16 de February, 2022
