Calheta Azores

Calheta is a municipality on the island of São Jorge, in the Portuguese autonomous region of Azores. The population in 2011 was 3,773, in an area of 126.26 km2. Calheta was elevated to the status of town on 3 June 1534 by regal decree, issued by King D. John III of Portugal. In 1694 there was a peasant uprising against an imposed tax or tithe on taro production. The Taro Revolt was a staple of the peasant class, and tax on these tuberculosis generated a large revenue for the administrative government. In 1718, the church of Santa Catarina was constructed following a fire that destroyed the original chapel that dated back to the early 16th century. As a result, a convent was ordered constructed on 12 May 1718. The church was also remodeled in May 1720. The first reference to the island was in 1439, but it wasn't until 1470, when colonial nuclei dotted the southern and western coast of the island. This phase of development is notable for the settlement of Willem van der Haegen, a Flemish pioneer.