The parish was founded after 1506, from the historical registers of the time. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake affected the community, resulting the destruction of many homes and the parochial church of the time. Before their destruction by phylloxeraplague, the vineyards in this location were great producers of the popular Verdelho wines, becoming one of the more important agricultural centres on the island. The Direcção de Serviços de Conservação da Natureza do Pico and Serviço de Ambiente do Pico were installed in the Parque Florestal Matos Souto, a park dedicated to commander Manuel Matos Souto, an emigrante who departed for Brazil in the 19th century, where he made his fortune.
Geography
Piedade is located on the extreme east coast of Pico, bordering the parishes of Calheta de Nesquim and Ribeirinha, and connected by the Regional E.R.1-1ª roadway to other centers on the island. The parish is divided into three distinct zones, and includes two fishing ports, in addition to swimming areas in the areas of Baía da Engrade, Baía do Céu de Abraão, Baía da Caravela and Baía da Fonte. The parishes includes several localities, that includes smaller non-political communities within the civil parish, including: Altamora, Areal, Biscoito Queimado, Cabecinho, Castelete, Eiras, Galego, Calhau, Cruz do Redondo, Curral da Pedra, Engrade, Faias, Fetais, Manhenha and Ponta da Ilha.
Architecture
The patrimony of the parish is diverse, although the primary buildings are the parochial church and hermitage, the curious fishing boat shelters, windmills and lighthouse. The following were classified by IGESPAR as buildings of public interest:
Civic
Lighthouse of Ponta da Ilha, originally proposed in 1883, the lighthouse was only built in the mid-20th century, in lands ceded by Maria Adelaide Gomes, Paulina Gomes Ávila and their husbands for 200$00, rural lands in Calvino.
Religious
Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the original church was built in 1506, but destroyed following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, resulting in the construction of the present building after 1756.
