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| The
Fort of Santa Cruz (above Horta Bay), like most others in Azores, was originally
built for protection against Moorish pirates. It was started in the year
1567, and a 2 per cent tax was placed on imports and exports and on harbor
dues for financing the work. Some gunners and cannon were sent to the island
to man the Fort but construction went slowly owing to the lack of funds,
and in 1572 an additional tax on meat, olive oil, wine and salt was decreed
to speed up its completion. In 1580 the Spaniards occupied Portugal;
but the Azores remained loyal to Dom António, Prior de Crato, and
it was only after some difficulty (particularly in Terceira where the inhabitants
brought down semi-wild bulls against the invaders who were forced to retire
before returning with a stronger force) that the Spanish subdued the Islands. |
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Pousada
da Horta - Forte de Santa Cruz, Horta ***
The Pousada da Horta - Forte
de Santa Cruz is set in a 16th century fortress built over the Horta bay
and is classified as a National Monument since 1947. With a magnificent
view of the Pico Island, you can also admire the famous Marina and its
yachts. All the rooms are medium in size, elegantely decorated and
with all the comforts you expect from a deluxe property. The restaurant
offers a good choice of national and international dishes and a wide wine
list. This hotel enjoys a fantastic location and is a superb standard
property. |
| TERCEIRA
ISLAND - ANGRA DO HEROISMO |
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| Terceira Island is an island
in the Azores Archipelago, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Angra
do Heroísmo, the historical capital of the Azores, is located on
Terceira, and its historical centre is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The island has two ports in Angra do Heroísmo and in
Praia da Vitória. It also has a military base in Lajes. Angra do
Heroísmo is the oldest city in the Azores dating back to 1534. |
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