Cabo Frio history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Cabo Frio dates back to 1503, when the expedition of Amerigo Vespucci landed on this coast. The seafarers discovered a convenient bay and left a small garrison here. However, the official date of the city's foundation is considered to be 13 November 1615. It was then that Portuguese colonisers, seeking to secure their rights to the land, established a settlement that was later named Nossa Senhora da Assunção de Cabo Frio.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a temporary outpost into a fully-fledged city was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geography and Navigation: The cape, projecting deep into the ocean, served as a vital landmark for ships and altered the direction of sea currents, making this area key for controlling maritime navigation.
• Military Necessity: The coast was actively used by French corsairs for the illegal export of valuable timber. The construction of Fort São Mateus was Portugal's response to the need to protect the territory from foreign invasions.
• Natural Resources: An abundance of lagoons created ideal conditions for salt extraction, while the forests were rich in pau-brasil wood, which was highly sought after in Europe.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, the economy of Cabo Frio relied on resource extraction: initially, it was the harvesting of redwood, and later—large-scale salt production, for which the region became famous throughout the country. The cultural landscape was formed amidst constant interaction and conflict between European settlers and the indigenous Tamoios tribes. The architectural appearance of the city was defined by the colonial style, centred around military fortifications and Catholic missions.

Major Milestones in the History of Cabo Frio

• 1503: Amerigo Vespucci's expedition lands on the coast and names the place "Cabo Frio" (Cold Cape) due to the cold waters brought by sea currents.
• 1575: Portuguese troops, during the "War of Cabo Frio", finally expel French traders and their indigenous allies who attempted to establish a foothold in the region.
• 1615: Constantino de Menelau officially founds the city on 13 November, establishing the settlement of Santa Helena de Cabo Frio to defend the territory.
• 1616: Construction begins on the stone Fort São Mateus, designed to defend the mouth of the channel and the lagoon from pirates and foreign fleets.
• 1660: An uprising of local residents occurs against Governor Estêvão Gomes, caused by dissatisfaction with taxes and administration.
• 1696: Franciscans found the Convent of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, which becomes the spiritual and cultural centre of the settlement.
• 1847: The Emperor of Brazil, Pedro II, visits the city, inspecting the salt works and contributing to their popularisation.
• Late 19th Century: Salt extraction in the Araruama Lagoon reaches industrial scales, turning the city into the country's main salt supplier.
• 1943: The National Alkali Company (Companhia Nacional de Álcalis) is established, providing a powerful impetus to the industrial development of the region.
• 1974: The opening of the Rio-Niterói Bridge significantly shortens the journey from Rio de Janeiro, heralding the era of mass tourism.
• 1990s: Cabo Frio secures its status as the tourism capital of the "Sun Coast" (Região dos Lagos), attracting holidaymakers with its beaches.
• Present Day: The city combines the role of a popular international resort with that of an important hub for the oil industry in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Stages of Transformation: From Salt Works to Tourism Hub

The development of Cabo Frio is a story of the constant adaptation of the economy and urban environment to new challenges. Below are the key stages that shaped the modern appearance of the city, transforming it from a resource supplier into one of the state's main resorts.

• The Era of "White Gold" (The Salt Cycle)

  In the 19th and early 20th centuries, salt extraction became the foundation of the city's economy. Thanks to the unique climate and geography, the Araruama Lagoon turned into a giant saltworks. This defined the landscape of the region: windmills and vast salt fields appeared, and the city became the main supplier of salt for all of Brazil, which facilitated the construction of the first roads and port infrastructure.

• Industrialisation and the Álcalis Factory (1943)

  The creation of the National Alkali Company (Companhia Nacional de Álcalis) was a turning point in urban planning. A whole district was built for the workers—Vila Álcalis—possessing advanced infrastructure for that time. The factory not only provided jobs but also turned Cabo Frio into an important industrial node, accelerating population migration to the city.

• Opening of the Rio-Niterói Bridge (1974)

  The launch of the bridge across Guanabara Bay radically changed the city's destiny, eliminating transport isolation. Travel time from Rio de Janeiro was drastically reduced, kickstarting the era of mass tourism. This led to a boom in the construction of hotels, restaurants, and summer residences, forever changing the coastline and shifting the economic focus to the service sector.

• The "Rua dos Biquínis" Phenomenon

  In the 1950s, a unique economic phenomenon emerged, blossoming by the 1990s—the production of beachwear. The concentration of sewing workshops and shops in the Gamboa district led to the creation of Latin America's largest open-air cluster for beach fashion. This strengthened the city's brand as the "capital of beach fashion" and provided employment for thousands of local residents.

• The Oil Era and Modern Urbanisation

  In recent decades, the discovery of oil fields in the Campos Basin has brought significant funds to the city in the form of royalties. These injections allowed for large-scale reconstruction of embankments, improvement of urban amenities, and modernisation of the healthcare and education systems, adapting the city to the needs of the growing population and tourists.

Architectural Chronicle: From Forts to Resort High-Rises

The architectural appearance of Cabo Frio represents a unique blend of eras, where austere military fortifications of the 17th century stand alongside charming colonial mansions and modern resort developments. The urban development of the city can be clearly divided into historical phases, each leaving its mark in stone and lime.

The Colonial Era: Military and Religious Architecture (XVII–XVIII Centuries)

The oldest buildings in the city date back to the period of Portuguese rule. At that time, architecture had a strictly utilitarian character: the protection of territory and the affirmation of the Catholic faith. The dominant style was the Portuguese colonial style with elements of Mannerism and Baroque.

• Fort São Mateus (Forte de São Mateus): A classic example of fortification architecture from the 17th century. Massive stone walls, loopholes, and cannons aimed at the ocean demonstrate the austere military style of that era. The structure has been preserved almost in its original form.
• Convent of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos (Convento de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos): A gem of religious architecture, the construction of which began in 1686. This is one of the best examples of Franciscan Baroque in Brazil. The complex includes a church and former monks' cells, distinguished by a strict facade and rich interior decoration.
• Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção: The main parish church, founded in 1615 and rebuilt later. Its appearance combines features of the Jesuit style (plain style — estilo chão) and Rococo in the interior finishing.

Passagem District: Frozen in Time (XVIII–XIX Centuries)

The Passagem District (Bairro da Passagem) is the historic heart of the city, where the first permanent settlement originated. Here, urban planning developed spontaneously, adhering to the landscape of the Itajuru Channel coastline.

• Architectural Style: Civil colonial architecture and 19th-century eclecticism prevail here. Low houses with tiled roofs, bright facades, and large windows create the cosy atmosphere of old Brazil.
• Urban Planning Features: Narrow cobbled streets, small squares, and a lack of strict symmetry, characteristic of Portuguese settlements of that time.
• Charitas House (Charitas): A former orphanage and hospital built in the 18th century. The building stands out for its monumentality against the background of residential development and today serves as a cultural centre ("Casa de Cultura").

Industrialisation and Modernism (Mid-20th Century)

With the arrival of the salt industry and the opening of the Álcalis factory, the city began to expand beyond the historic centre. During this period, ideas of modernism and functionalism penetrated the architecture of Cabo Frio.

• Vila Álcalis: An example of planned development for factory workers. Here one can see typical mid-20th-century houses with rational layouts, wide streets, and developed social infrastructure, which was an innovation for the region in those years.

Modern Stage: Verticalisation and Tourism (Late 20th — 21st Century)

The opening of the Rio-Niterói Bridge and the tourism boom radically changed the city's skyline, especially in the Praia do Forte area. Modern urban planning is dictated by the needs of holidaymakers.

• Resort Development: Multi-storey residential complexes and hotels have risen along the coast. The style of these buildings can be characterised as modern functionalism: concrete, glass, and balconies with sea views.
• Transformation of Spaces: Former salt fields and wastelands have been re-urbanised into new residential districts and commercial zones, such as the famous "Rua dos Biquínis", representing an example of a specialised open-air retail cluster.

Notable Personalities of Cabo Frio

The history and culture of Cabo Frio were created by many talented individuals—from explorers of the Age of Discovery to modern athletes and artists who drew inspiration from the beauty of the local landscapes.

• Amerigo Vespucci
  Navigator and Cartographer (XV–XVI Centuries)
  Although he did not live in the city permanently, his role is fundamental. It was the expedition under his command in 1503 that landed on this shore. Vespucci noted the anomalously low water temperature in the region (the upwelling phenomenon) and gave the place the name "Cabo Frio" (Cold Cape), which has survived to this day.
• Constantino de Menelau
  Portuguese Military Commander and Administrator (XVII Century)
  The official founder of the city. In 1615, he arrived in the region with a mission to expel French corsairs and secure the territory for the Portuguese Crown. Under his leadership, the settlement of Santa Helena was established, and the construction of the first fortifications began, becoming the foundation of the future city.
• Antônio Gonçalves Teixeira e Souza
  Writer and Poet (1812–1861)
  A native of Cabo Frio who entered literary history as the author of the first Brazilian romantic novel, "The Fisherman's Son" (O Filho do Pescador, 1843). His work, despite the author's humble origins, paved the way for the development of Brazil's national prose.
• Carlos Scliar
  Painter, Graphic Artist, and Designer (1920–2001)
  One of the most significant Brazilian modernist artists. Although not born here, Scliar chose Cabo Frio as his home and creative workshop for many decades. He immortalised the landscapes of the Itajuru Channel in his paintings. Today, a cultural institute and museum operate in his house on the embankment.
• Abel Gomes
  Poet and Journalist (XX Century)
  Known as the "Prince of Poets of Cabo Frio". His lyrics were deeply connected to the sea, salt fields, and the daily life of the city. Gomes played an important role in shaping the cultural identity of the region in the mid-20th century, praising the beauty of the "Sun Coast".
• Victor Ribas
  Professional Surfer (born 1971)
  A famous athlete born and raised on the waves of Praia do Forte. Ribas became one of the first Brazilians to achieve significant success in the World Championship Tour (WCT), ranking 3rd in the world in 1999. He turned Cabo Frio into an important point on the global surfing map.