Castro history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Castro holds a special place in the history of the State of Paraná, being one of its oldest settlements. Its origins are closely linked to the exploration of Brazil's interior territories in the 18th century. Initially, the area was known as Pouso do Iapó (Rest Stop on the Iapó) — a strategically important halting point on the banks of the Iapó River, where cattle drovers and travellers would stop to rest.

The settlement received official recognition in 1774, when it was elevated to the status of a parish (freguesia). Later, in 1778, Castro became the first officially established "vila" (town) in the Campos Gerais region, which consolidated its administrative significance.

Key Factors of Development

The city's development was driven by a combination of geographical advantages and the economic routes of that era:

• Geography and the Iapó River: Its location on the riverbank made this place a natural point for crossing and resting. The need to overcome the water barrier forced travellers to linger here, which contributed to the growth of the settlement.
• The Tropeiros Route (Caminho das Tropas): Castro was situated on the legendary route connecting the south of Brazil (Viamão) with the markets of Sorocaba. Thousands of mules and cattle were driven along this path, and the city became a vital logistics hub.
• Political Will: The city received its current name in honour of Martinho de Melo e Castro, the Portuguese Minister for Overseas Territories, highlighting the Crown's attention to this region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Castro depended entirely on servicing caravans. Local residents engaged in growing food for the drovers, repairing equipment, and maintaining inns. This formed a unique Tropeiro culture, traces of which are visible in the gastronomy (dishes made from dried meat and beans), folklore, and even the local dialect.

Furthermore, the fertile lands of the region fostered the development of settled livestock farming and agriculture, allowing the city to maintain economic stability even after the era of horse-drawn caravans came to an end.

Major Milestones in the History of Castro

• 1704 — Beginning of the colonization of the region and the issuance of the first land grants (sesmarias), marking the start of permanent settlements.
• 1774 — The settlement receives the status of an ecclesiastical parish (freguesia) under the name Sant'Ana do Iapó.
• 1778 — Official foundation of the town of Vila Nova de Castro, becoming the first administratively independent settlement in the Campos Gerais region.
• 1854 — Creation of the Judicial District (Comarca) of Castro, strengthening the city's political importance.
• 1857 — The settlement officially receives city status (cidade).
• 1894 — During the Federalist Revolution, Castro temporarily served as the capital of the State of Paraná for three months.
• 1900 — Opening of the railway station, which facilitated the city's integration into the national transport network and spurred economic growth.
• 1951 — Arrival of a group of Dutch immigrants and the founding of the Castrolanda colony, which radically changed the agrarian profile of the region.
• 1977 — Opening of the Tropeiro Museum (Museu do Tropeiro), dedicated to the history of cattle drovers and their contribution to the city's development.
• 2016 — The city is officially awarded the title "National Capital of Milk" (Capital Nacional do Leite) for outstanding achievements in dairy farming.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

Castro's development was non-linear: from an important transport hub in the colonial era to a modern agro-industrial centre. Below are the main milestones that defined the city's economic and cultural identity:

• Consolidation on the "Tropeiros Route" (18th–19th Centuries)
  The establishment of the city as a major transit point on the Iapó River laid the foundations for its urban structure. The need to service caravans led to the emergence of the first commercial enterprises and inns, forming a unique cultural code based on traditions of hospitality and livestock farming.
• Status of Temporary Capital (1894)
  During the Federalist Revolution, the government of the State of Paraná was temporarily relocated to Castro. This short but significant period (about three months) highlighted the strategic security and political importance of the city, leaving a mark on its architectural heritage and historical memory.
• Arrival of the Railway (1900)
  The opening of the railway station was a turning point, marking the end of the era of animal-drawn transport. The railway connected Castro with major economic centres, accelerated the export of agricultural products, and stimulated the influx of new goods and technologies.
• Dutch Immigration and the Creation of Castrolanda (1951)
  The arrival of Dutch settlers became the main economic driver of the 20th century. The founding of the Castrolanda cooperative brought advanced European farming and dairy technologies to the region, forever changing the agricultural landscape of the municipality.
• Emergence as an Agribusiness Hub (21st Century)
  Thanks to the successful integration of technology and tradition, Castro has transformed into one of Brazil's most productive agricultural regions. The awarding of the title "National Capital of Milk" secured the city's status as a leader in livestock genetics and dairy production, attracting business tourists and investors.

Architectural Mosaic and Urban Landscape

The urban appearance of Castro is unique for the Brazilian interior: it combines features of an old Portuguese settlement of the 18th century with the neat aesthetics of Northern Europe, introduced by immigrants in the 20th century. The city developed from the banks of the Iapó River, expanding along historic trade routes.

Colonial Style and Tropeiro Heritage (18th–19th Centuries)

The oldest buildings in the city date back to the era of active caravan movement. This period is characterized by simple, functional architecture using local materials.

• Style: Luso-Brazilian Colonial Style (Colonial Luso-Brasileiro). Buildings were erected using taipa de pilão (rammed earth) and pau-a-pique (wattle and daub) technologies.
• Landmark Building: Tropeiro Museum (Museu do Tropeiro). Located in the historic Casa de Sinhara, this site is a classic example of a wealthy family's home from that era: thick walls, wooden ceilings, window shutters, and wide eaves.
• Urban Planning: The streets of the historic centre formed spontaneously, following the terrain and the directions of the mule tracks.

Sacred Architecture and Eclecticism (19th–20th Centuries)

As the city's prosperity grew, public and religious buildings began to acquire more monumental features, blending various stylistic influences.

• Style: Eclecticism with elements of classicism.
• Landmark Building: Mother Church of Sant'Ana (Igreja Matriz de Sant'Ana). Construction took a long time, which is reflected in the church's appearance. Its facade and towers dominate the city centre, demonstrating the transition from colonial simplicity to the more complex decorative forms of the early 20th century.

Dutch Architecture (Mid-20th Century – Present Day)

The arrival of immigrants from the Netherlands in the 1950s created a completely new architectural enclave in the municipality, which is today a hallmark of the region.

• Style: Traditional Dutch rural architecture. Characterized by the use of brickwork, steep pitched roofs, and large windows.
• District: Castrolanda Colony (Castrolanda). This area is designed with careful planning, reminiscent of European villages.
• Landmark Structure: "Immigrant" Mill (Moinho De Immigrant). This is one of the largest windmills in the world outside the Netherlands. It was built in full accordance with Dutch engineering traditions: a wooden mechanism, a stone base, and huge sails forming a recognizable silhouette on the horizon.

Distinguished Personalities of Castro

The history of Castro is inextricably linked with people whose names have entered the annals of not only the city but the entire State of Paraná. From pioneers of education to influential statesmen, this city has been the birthplace or home to many iconic figures.

• Emília Erichsen
  Educator and Enlightener (19th Century)
  She holds a unique place in the history of education in Brazil. It was in Castro in 1862 that Emília Erichsen founded the country's first kindergarten (Jardim de Infância). Her innovative approach to preschool education laid the foundations for the pedagogical traditions of the region.
• Vicente Machado da Silva Lima (Vicente Machado)
  Statesman and Politician (1860–1907)
  A famous native of Castro who became one of the central figures in the political life of Paraná at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. He served as Governor of the state. He is known for large-scale reforms in public health and the development of urban infrastructure.
• Moysés Lupion
  Politician and Governor (1908–1991)
  Born in Castro, Lupion was elected Governor of the State of Paraná twice (in the 1940s and 1950s). His governance is associated with a period of active industrialisation, the expansion of the road network, and the modernisation of the region's economy.
• Jorge Xavier da Silva
  Politician and Administrator (19th–20th Centuries)
  Another native of Castro who reached the highest office in the state. As Governor of Paraná, he played an important role in strengthening the republican system and developing the administrative system in the early 20th century.
• Inácia da Silva Lima (Dona Inácia da Silva Lima), known as "Sinhara"
  Social Figure and Patron (19th Century)
  A representative of the local aristocracy of the tropeiro era. Her home was the centre of the city's cultural and social life. The historical significance of her figure is confirmed by the fact that it was in her mansion, now the Tropeiro Museum, that Emperor Pedro II stayed during his visit to the region.