History of Belém

Origins and Foundation of Belém

The history of the city of Belém began on 12 January 1616. On this day, the Portuguese captain Francisco Caldeira Castelo Branco landed in the strategically important Guajará Bay and founded the wooden Fort Presépio (now Forte do Castelo). The settlement, initially named Feliz Lusitânia, was created to defend the mouth of the Amazon River from the ambitions of the Dutch, English, and French, who sought to establish themselves in this resource-rich region.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Geographical Location: The city emerged at the confluence of the Guamá River and Guajará Bay, making it the natural gateway to the Amazon basin and a key point for the exploration of the north of modern-day Brazil.
• Administrative Status: Due to its distance from other colonial centers, Belém became the capital of a vast territory (the State of Grão-Pará), often reporting directly to Lisbon, which contributed to the concentration of political power here.
• Trade Monopoly: The fort quickly transformed into a trading port, through which all exports from the interior jungle regions to Europe passed.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first centuries of its existence, the city's economy relied on the extraction and export of "drogas do sertão" — "spices of the backlands": wild cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and medicinal herbs. Religious orders, especially the Jesuits, had a huge influence on early culture. They built schools and churches, engaged in the Christianization of the indigenous population, and organized the collection of forest riches, laying the foundations for the region's unique mixed culture.

Key Dates in the History of Belém

• 1616 — On 12 January, Portuguese captain Francisco Caldeira Castelo Branco founded Fort Presépio, marking the beginning of the city initially named Feliz Lusitânia.
• 1621 — The city became the capital of the newly formed State of Maranhão, which was separated from the southern colonies of Brazil.
• 1751 — Belém and the province of Pará became part of the newly formed State of Grão-Pará and Rio Negro, with Belém as its capital.
• 1774 — The State of Grão-Pará and Rio Negro was dissolved, and the Captaincy of Pará was subordinated directly to the Viceroyalty of Brazil.
• 1823 — The province of Pará officially joined the independent Empire of Brazil, almost a year after the country declared independence.
• 1835–1840 — Belém became the center of one of the largest popular uprisings in Brazilian history — the Cabanagem, during which rebels seized the city several times.
• 1878 — The grand opening of the Theatro da Paz (Theater of Peace) took place, becoming a symbol of prosperity during the rubber fever era.
• 1879–1912 — The city experienced its "Golden Age" during the rubber boom, becoming one of the wealthiest cities in Brazil and a center of the global rubber trade.
• 1901 — The Ver-o-Peso market was officially opened in its current form, featuring its famous metal structure imported from Europe.
• 1960 — The Federal University of Pará (UFPA) was founded, becoming the largest higher education institution in the Amazon region.
• 2025 — Belém has been chosen as the host city for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-30), highlighting its role in discussing the ecological challenges of the Amazon.

Stages of Belém's Development: From Outpost to Amazonian Metropolis

• Foundation as a Strategic Outpost (1616): Established as a fort to protect the mouth of the Amazon, Belém played a key military and geopolitical role from the very beginning. This affirmed the Portuguese presence in the region and made the city a starting point for the exploration of the Amazon.
• Status as a Colonial Capital (17th–18th Centuries): Its designation as the capital, first of the State of Maranhão and then of Grão-Pará and Rio Negro, turned Belém into the main administrative, political, and religious center of the entire Amazon lowlands.
• Rubber Fever (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries): This period became the "Golden Age" for the city. Belém transformed into one of the most prosperous cities in Brazil, becoming a hub for the global rubber trade. Export revenues led to massive urban modernization, the appearance of luxurious European-style architecture, and a cultural flourishing.
• Construction of Iconic Landmarks (1878, 1901): The opening of the Theatro da Paz and the Ver-o-Peso market in its current form became the material embodiment of the wealth of the rubber era. These buildings not only transformed the urban landscape but also became enduring symbols of Belém's cultural and economic power.
• Cabanagem Uprising (1835–1840): One of the largest popular uprisings in Brazil's history, centered in Belém. This event deeply influenced the social and political structure of the region, highlighting the intensity of social contradictions of that time.
• Creation of the Federal University of Pará (1960): The founding of UFPA marked a new stage in the city's development, turning it into the largest educational and scientific center of the Amazon. This contributed to the diversification of the economy and the training of qualified personnel for the entire region.
• Industrial and Logistical Growth (20th–21st Centuries): After the decline of the rubber boom, Belém successfully reoriented its economy, strengthening its status as a major port and industrial center. The development of transport infrastructure made it a key logistics hub for the export of minerals, timber, and agribusiness products.
• Ecological Capital of the World (2025): The selection of Belém as the host for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-30) symbolizes its new global role. The city is becoming a global platform for discussing the future of the Amazon and sustainable development, opening new perspectives for investment and international cooperation.

Belém's architectural appearance is a unique blend of Portuguese colonial heritage and the luxury of the "Belle Époque," shaped by the economic ups and downs in Amazonian history. Urban development reflects its journey from a modest outpost to one of Brazil's wealthiest cities at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Colonial Period (17th–19th Centuries)

Early development in Belém is concentrated in the historic district of Cidade Velha (Old City), where the atmosphere of the colonial era can still be felt today. This period is characterized by Portuguese military and religious architecture, adapted to tropical conditions.

• Style: Early Portuguese colonial style, transitioning into Baroque and Rococo.
• Features: Monumental stone churches, fortifications, and residential houses with facades often decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos). A rectangular street grid was laid out for logistical convenience from the port.
• Key Landmarks: The Feliz Lusitânia complex, including Forte do Presépio (Forte do Castelo), Catedral da Sé, and the Santo Alexandre Church (Igreja de Santo Alexandre) with the adjacent Museum of Sacred Art.

Golden Age of Rubber: Neoclassicism and Art Nouveau (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The rubber fever period radically changed the face of Belém, turning it into a "Tropical Paris." Barons who became rich from rubber exports sought to recreate European luxury in the Amazon, importing not only architectural styles but also construction materials from Europe.

• Style: Neoclassicism, Eclecticism, and Art Nouveau (Modern).
• Features: Grandiose public buildings, theaters, palaces, and mansions. Use of cast-iron structures from England, marble from Italy, and French decorative elements.
• Key Landmarks:
  • Theatro da Paz (Theater of Peace): The jewel of the city, built in 1878 modeled after the La Scala theater in Milan. It is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture with luxurious interiors, frescoes, and gilding.
  • Ver-o-Peso Market (Mercado Ver-o-Peso): The famous metal frame of the market was manufactured in Europe and assembled in Belém in 1901, becoming a striking example of industrial architecture in the Art Nouveau style.
  • Antônio Lemos Palace (Palácio Antônio Lemos): An example of monumental neoclassicism, which today houses the City Hall and the Belém Museum of Art.

Modern Architecture (From the Mid-20th Century)

After the end of the rubber boom, the pace of construction slowed. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Belém's architecture developed in line with general Brazilian and global trends, combining functionality with adaptation to the hot and humid climate.

• Style: Modernism, Brutalism, and Contemporary style.
• Features: The appearance of high-rise residential and office buildings that changed the city skyline. Modern projects often use large glazed surfaces and sun protection elements.
• Key Landmarks: Modern development is mainly represented by commercial centers, hotels, and residential complexes that contrast with the historic center, creating an eclectic urban landscape.

Hélio Gracie (1913–2009)

One of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born in Belém, he and his family developed and popularized this martial art, which is known worldwide today. His contribution changed the world of combat sports and brought international fame to Brazilian culture.

Lúcio Costa (1902–1998)

A distinguished architect and urban planner, one of the pioneers of modernism in Brazil. Although born in France, he spent part of his childhood in Belém. Costa is best known as the author of the master plan for the country's new capital — the city of Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sócrates (1954–2011)

A legendary footballer and captain of the Brazilian national team at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. Sócrates, born in Belém, was not only a brilliant midfielder but also a social activist with a medical degree, earning him the nickname "Doctor Sócrates." He was also one of the founders of the "Corinthians Democracy" movement during the military dictatorship in Brazil.

Fafá de Belém (born 1956)

Real name — Maria de Fátima Palha de Figueiredo. One of Brazil's most famous and beloved singers, whose stage name directly indicates her origin. She became famous for her powerful vocals and emotional performance of songs in the MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) genre and romantic ballads.

Gaby Amarantos (born 1978)

Singer, songwriter, and "Queen of Tecnobrega" — a musical style that originated in Belém. Gaby Amarantos brought national and international fame to this unique sound, blending electronic music with the traditional rhythms of the Amazon region.

Dira Paes (born 1968)

A popular Brazilian theater, film, and television actress. Born in the state of Pará, she is closely connected to the cultural life of Belém. She has starred in numerous successful films and soap operas, receiving critical acclaim and audience recognition across the country, as well as many awards at film festivals.

João Clemente Baena Soares (1931–2023)

An influential Brazilian diplomat born in Belém. He served as Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) from 1984 to 1994. His career was dedicated to strengthening international relations and promoting peace in Latin America.