Catu

Catu is a city in Bahia, Brazil. Its population is 48648 as of 2007. It is located at 12°20′59″S 38°22′59″W / 12.34972°S 38.38306°W / -12.34972; -38.38306.

Catu is a prosperous city, with a prominent petroleum and commercial sector, both of which are equally well developed. It is known for its irregular topography and is located on the BR-110 between Salvador and Alagoinhas, approximately 78 km from the former and 32 km from the latter. It is part of Salvador's Metropolitan Region.

Origins

When the Portuguese arrived in Bahia, the Patachó and Tupiniquim indigenous peoples inhabited the territory where the city is now situated. These early inhabitants moved inland to the sertão, in order to escape Portuguese persecution.

Up to 1782 historical facts are few and imprecise. The area where the city of Catu was built on is known to have integrated the captaincy of the count da Ponte, whereto many colonists migrated. It was left to the Catholic Church to take the first steps towards the foundation of the parish of Santa do Catu, enclosing the vast territory.