Araxá history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Araxá dates back to the late 18th century. Initially, these lands were inhabited by the indigenous Arachás tribes, from whom the city derived its name. In the Tupi-Guarani language, it translates to "the place where the sun is seen first" or "high place".

The first European settlers began arriving in the region in search of fertile lands and mineral resources. A key moment in the city's foundation is considered the creation of the São Domingos de Araxá parish in 1791, when the first chapel was erected, becoming a centre of attraction for new residents.

Key Development Factors

The development of Araxá was driven by a combination of unique natural and geographical factors:

• Geography and Mineral Waters: Its location in the crater of an extinct volcano and the presence of therapeutic mineral springs (sulphurous and radioactive) attracted attention to this area from early years, predetermining its future as a health resort.
• Strategic Position: The settlement was situated on an important route between the captaincies of Minas Gerais, Goiás, and São Paulo, which facilitated the development of trade and the exchange of goods.
• Agriculture: The region's fertile soils allowed for the rapid establishment of food production, which was necessary to supply the neighbouring gold-mining districts.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, Araxá's economy was based primarily on cattle breeding and agriculture. Unlike the cities of the "Gold Ring" of Minas Gerais, there was no massive gold rush here, which formed a more measured pace of life oriented towards the agrarian sector.

The cultural image of the city in the 19th century is inextricably linked with the name of Dona Beja (Ana Jacinta de São José). This historical figure had a significant influence on the social life of the settlement, and her estate became one of the centres for the local elite of that time, leaving a vivid mark on the folklore and history of the region.

Key Milestones in the Development of Araxá

The history of the city is a journey from a small settlement of prospectors and farmers to a world-renowned resort and industrial centre.

• 1791 — Foundation of the São Domingos de Araxá parish, considered the official starting point of the settlement's history.
• 1816 — Visit of the famous French naturalist Auguste de Saint-Hilaire, who was one of the first to describe the healing properties of the local waters.
• 1831 — Araxá receives the status of a "Vila" (small town) and gains administrative independence from neighbouring Paracatu.
• 1865 — The settlement is officially elevated to the rank of a city, which promotes the development of local infrastructure.
• 1926 — Completion of the railway line connecting Araxá with other regions and increasing the flow of visitors.
• 1938 — The city officially receives the status of a hydromineral resort, attracting the attention of federal authorities to the development of tourism.
• 1942 — The beginning of the grand construction of the Grande Hotel and Termas complex at the initiative of the state governor.
• 1944 — Grand opening of the Grande Hotel de Araxá, which became an architectural symbol of the city and all of Brazil.
• 1955 — Discovery of gigantic niobium reserves and the founding of the CBMM company, turning the city into an important industrial centre.
• 1965 — Opening of the Dona Beja Historical Museum, dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
• 2002 — Completion of the large-scale restoration of the Grande Hotel historical complex, returning it to its former splendour.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The development of Araxá is the story of the transformation of a modest stopover for cattle drovers into one of the wealthiest and most significant cities in the state of Minas Gerais. Each era has left its mark on the architecture, economy, and way of life of the local residents.

• Strategic Trade Hub (19th Century).
  Thanks to its location at the junction of routes between major regions, Araxá became an important supply point. This turned the city from a simple agrarian settlement into a bustling commercial centre where the trade of cattle and food prospered, laying the financial foundation for future growth.
• Railway Integration (1926).
  The arrival of the Oeste de Minas railway brought the city out of relative isolation. This event not only simplified the export of agricultural products but also opened the doors for the first travellers wishing to visit the famous mineral springs, kickstarting the tourism industry.
• Urbanisation of the Barreiro District (1940s).
  The construction of the monumental Grande Hotel and Termas complex was an urban planning revolution. At the initiative of Governor Benedito Valadares, an elite resort district was created with landscape design by the famous Roberto Burle Marx. This forever secured Araxá's status as the main health resort of Brazil.
• Industrial Breakthrough and Niobium (from 1955).
  The discovery of the world's largest niobium deposit radically changed the city's economy. The creation of the mining company (CBMM) provided Araxá with jobs and high tax revenues, allowing the city to develop modern infrastructure and maintain a high standard of living.
• Cultural Renaissance.
  In the second half of the 20th century, the city began to actively promote its history. The restoration of historical buildings and the popularisation of the legend of Dona Beja allowed for the diversification of tourist flow, attracting guests not only with healing waters but also with the rich cultural heritage of the colonial era.

Architectural Appearance and Town Planning

The architectural landscape of Araxá is clearly divided into two contrasting zones: the historic centre with traditional buildings and the monumental Barreiro resort complex. This division reflects the city's evolution from a modest colonial settlement to a prestigious national health resort.

Colonial Period and Eclecticism (19th — Early 20th Century)

Early development in Araxá formed spontaneously around the religious centre. Unlike the cities of the "Golden Age" of Minas Gerais, the architecture here is more restrained and functional.

• Style: Simple Colonial Style (Estilo Colonial), transitioning into Eclecticism. Characterised by whitewashed walls, tiled roofs, and wooden frames.
• Landmark Object: Igreja Matriz de São Domingos. The church, the construction of which took many years, combines elements of Neoclassicism and Neogothic styles, serving as the visual dominant of the old centre.
• Residential Architecture: An example of civil architecture is the building that now houses the Dona Beja Museum. It is a typical mansion (sobrado) of the colonial era with an inner courtyard, preserving the spirit of the 19th century.

Monumental Neocolonialism and Mission Style (1940s)

The most striking architectural trace in the city's history was left by the era of the 1940s, when a grand resort complex was erected at the state's initiative. It was a project designed to capture the imagination with its scale and luxury.

• Style: Mission Style or Californian Neocolonialism. It is characterised by massive walls, arched galleries, and the use of dark wood, stained glass, and wrought iron.
• Landmark Object: Grande Hotel e Termas de Araxá. Designed by architect Luiz Signorelli, this complex resembles the palaces of Spanish colonies. The interiors are decorated with marble and frescoes, creating an atmosphere of solemnity.
• Landscape Design: An integral part of the architectural ensemble are the gardens designed by the famous Roberto Burle Marx. The geometric forms of the park and the use of local flora emphasise the grandeur of the buildings.

Modern Development and Urbanism

Today, Araxá demonstrates a harmonious coexistence of historical heritage and modern infrastructure, driven by the economic growth of the region.

• Urban Structure: The city retains a radial-ring structure in the centre, expanding with new residential districts on the periphery.
• Public Spaces: In recent decades, the focus has shifted to the improvement of park zones and the revitalisation of historical streets to connect scattered tourist spots into a unified route.

Distinguished Figures of Araxá

Araxá has gifted Brazil with many talented people, from historical legends to modern sports and television stars. Below are the most significant figures whose names are inextricably linked with the history of the city.

• Ana Jacinta de São José (Dona Beja)
  Role: Socialite, influential figure of the 19th century.
  The city's most famous historical personality. Her life, full of legends and dramatic events, inspired writers and screenwriters to create books and popular telenovelas. She is considered a symbol of female independence and beauty of her time; the city museum is named in her honour.
• Calmon Barreto de Andrade
  Role: Artist, sculptor, and writer.
  An outstanding arts figure who dedicated his life to preserving the cultural heritage of the region. He illustrated the history of Araxá in his paintings and sculptures. Today, the city's main cultural foundation (Fundação Cultural Calmon Barreto) bears his name.
• Olavo Drummond
  Role: Journalist, poet, and writer.
  An intellectual and member of the Academy of Letters of Minas Gerais. Drummond was an important figure in 20th-century Brazilian journalism and actively promoted the culture of his home state at the national level.
• Romeu Zema
  Role: Entrepreneur and politician.
  Governor of the State of Minas Gerais (elected in 2018). A native of Araxá, he is also a representative of a major business dynasty that founded one of the most successful retail chains in Brazil — Grupo Zema.
• Mariana Rios
  Role: Actress, singer, and TV presenter.
  A star of modern Brazilian television. She gained wide fame thanks to roles in top-rated series (telenovelas) by Globo and her musical career, bringing fame to the name of her hometown in the media space.
• Norberto Murara Neto (Neto)
  Role: Professional footballer (Goalkeeper).
  A world-class athlete. He has played for European football giants such as Juventus, Barcelona, and Arsenal, and has also defended the colours of the Brazilian national team, becoming the pride of local fans.
• Chico Formiga (Francisco Ferreira de Aguiar)
  Role: Footballer and coach.
  A legendary defender who played in the "Golden Squad" of Santos FC alongside Pelé in the 1950s and 60s. He made a significant contribution to the development of Brazilian football as both a player and a mentor.