Curitiba history

The history of Curitiba is the tale of a small settlement of gold prospectors transforming into one of Brazil's most innovative and economically developed cities. Situated on a plateau, the city possessed strategic importance from the very beginning, which determined its future destiny.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official date of the city's founding is considered to be 29 March 1693, when a settlement named Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais was established. This was preceded by the arrival of Portuguese gold prospectors in the region during the 17th century. The name "Curitiba," which the city received later in 1842, comes from the language of the local indigenous people and means "pine place," referring to the abundance of Paraná pines in the surrounding area.

Key Development Factors

The growth and development of Curitiba were driven by several important factors:

• Trade: In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became a vital transit point for cattle drivers (tropeiros) who drove herds from southern regions to trading centres such as São Paulo. This fostered economic growth and attracted new residents to the region.
• Political Status: In 1853, Curitiba became the capital of the newly formed province of Paraná. This event significantly enhanced its administrative and political importance, providing a new impetus for development.
• Infrastructure: The construction of the railway connecting Curitiba to the port of Paranaguá between 1880 and 1885 provided the city's industry with access to the sea and contributed to further economic advancement.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the city's economy relied on gold mining, and later on cattle breeding. In the 19th century, key industries became timber harvesting, particularly the valuable Paraná pine, and the cultivation of mate. The cultural landscape of Curitiba was shaped by several waves of immigration. In the second half of the 19th century, settlers from Europe arrived here en masse — primarily Germans, Italians, Poles, and Ukrainians. They made a tremendous contribution to the economic and cultural development of the city, which remains evident today in local traditions, architecture, and cuisine.

Key Dates in the History of Curitiba

• 1668 — A group of seventeen colonist-prospectors founds the settlement of Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais at this location.
• 29 March 1693 — The settlement receives official status, which is considered the city's founding date.
• 1842 — The settlement receives city status and its modern name — Curitiba.
• 1853 — Curitiba becomes the capital of the newly formed province (now state) of Paraná, giving a boost to its development.
• 1885 — Construction is completed on the strategically important railway connecting the city to the port of Paranaguá.
• 1886 — The city's first major park, Passeio Público, is created and remains a popular recreation spot today.
• 1893 — Construction of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Neo-Gothic style is finished.
• 1909 — Coritiba Football Club is founded, one of the oldest and most titled in the state.
• 1971 — Architect Jaime Lerner becomes mayor, initiating famous urban transformations.
• 1972 — As part of the new urban policy, the central street Rua XV de Novembro becomes one of the first pedestrian streets in Brazil.
• 1974 — The world's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is launched, becoming the city's hallmark.
• 1991 — The famous Botanical Garden of Curitiba with its glass greenhouse opens, becoming a symbol of the city.
• 2002 — The Oscar Niemeyer Museum opens, known for its unusual eye-shaped architecture.

Major Development Milestones

Curitiba's journey from a prospectors' camp to one of Latin America's most advanced metropolises is an example of consistent and bold transformations. Let us highlight the key stages that formed the unique economic and cultural code of the city:

• The Tropeiros Era (18th Century).

  Curitiba took shape as a strategic hub on the route of cattle drivers (tropeiros) moving herds from southern pastures to northern markets. Significance: Trade laid the primary economic foundation and integrated the settlement into the general transport network of Brazil.

• Gaining Political Autonomy (1853).

  The proclamation of the independent province of Paraná with its capital in Curitiba. Significance: Administrative separation from São Paulo gave a powerful impulse to the development of urban infrastructure, government institutions, and population growth.

• European Immigration (Late 19th Century).

  The mass arrival of settlers from Germany, Poland, Italy, and Ukraine. Significance: Immigrants radically changed the demographic appearance of the city, introducing European traditions into architecture, crafts, and culture, creating a unique multicultural environment.

• The "Erva-Mate" Economic Cycle (Early 20th Century).

  An economic boom based on the export of mate tea and timber processing. Significance: Accumulated capital allowed for the modernization of the city, the construction of luxurious mansions and public buildings, and the establishment of railway connections to the ocean.

• Urban Revolution (1970s).

  Implementation of an innovative Master Plan under the leadership of Mayor Jaime Lerner. Significance: The introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, creation of pedestrian zones, and rejection of "car-centricity" made the city a global benchmark for intelligent planning.

• Creation of the Industrial City (1973).

  Establishment of the Cidade Industrial de Curitiba (CIC) district with strict zoning. Significance: This decision attracted major international manufacturing and diversified the economy while moving factories outside residential quarters to preserve air quality.

• "Green Capital" Strategy (1990s — Present).

  Large-scale creation of parks on the sites of former quarries and river floodplains, and implementation of waste exchange programmes. Significance: Environmental initiatives ensured the highest quality of life for the city and the status of a leader in sustainable development in the region.

The architectural appearance of Curitiba is a unique combination of European heritage, Brazilian modernism, and advanced urban planning ideas. The city's development can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on its structure and appearance.

Colonial Period and Eclecticism (17th–19th Centuries)

Early development in Curitiba followed the traditions of Portuguese colonial architecture. The historic city centre, especially in the Largo da Ordem area, still preserves buildings from that era. The situation changed in the second half of the 19th century with the arrival of mass immigration from Europe. Germans, Italians, Poles, and Ukrainians brought their architectural traditions, leading to the flourishing of eclecticism — a style mixing elements of Neo-Gothic, Neoclassicism, and other historical trends. A vivid example of this period is the Cathedral, built in the Neo-Gothic style.

Modernism and the Urban Planning Revolution (20th Century)

In the mid-20th century, the architecture of Curitiba, like all of Brazil, was influenced by modernism. This style, with its emphasis on functionality, clean lines, and the use of reinforced concrete, formed the basis for the design of the administrative district Centro Cívico. However, the true transformation of the city began in the 1970s under the leadership of architect-mayor Jaime Lerner. His master plan focused not on individual buildings, but on the comprehensive development of the urban environment. Key elements included:

• Structural Axes: Creation of transport corridors where the central lane is dedicated to the famous Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with roads for other traffic located on the sides.
• Pedestrian and Ecological Priority: Creation of pedestrian zones, such as Rua XV de Novembro, and the transformation of abandoned areas into extensive parks.

Modern Architectural Icons (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries)

An innovative approach to urban planning gave rise to several iconic architectural objects that have become symbols of the city. These buildings, in the styles of postmodernism and contemporary architecture, are harmoniously integrated into the urban environment.

• Ópera de Arame (Wire Opera House): Built in 1992 from steel pipes and transparent polycarbonate, this theatre seems to float above a lake in a former quarry. Its light, openwork structure symbolizes the union of art and nature.
• Botanical Garden: Its famous greenhouse made of metal and glass was opened in 1991. Inspired by London's Crystal Palace, it is designed in the Art Nouveau style and is one of Brazil's main attractions.
• Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON): Opened in 2002, this museum is a masterpiece by the famous Brazilian architect. The main building is complemented by a striking annex in the shape of a giant eye, making it one of the most recognisable examples of modern architecture in the world.

Iconic Figures in Curitiba's History

The history of Curitiba is rich with the names of people who made significant contributions to its cultural, social, and architectural development. From artists and writers to visionary urbanists, these personalities shaped the unique appearance and character of the city.

• Jaime Lerner (1937–2021) — Architect, urbanist, and politician. Serving as Mayor of Curitiba three times, he authored the famous urban revolution. Under his leadership, the innovative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was created, pioneering environmental programmes were implemented, and priority was given to pedestrian zones, making the city a global benchmark for sustainable development.
• Dalton Trevisan (1925–2024) — One of the most famous Brazilian short story writers. A native of Curitiba, he was nicknamed the "Vampire of Curitiba" for his dark and insightful stories about city life. His work, recognised with numerous literary awards, is deeply rooted in the atmosphere and psychology of the city.
• Paulo Leminski (1944–1989) — A cult poet, writer, translator, and composer. Leminski was a central figure of the counterculture in Brazil. His work, distinguished by an experimental style and the influence of Japanese poetry, left a deep mark on Brazilian literature. The famous open-air concert venue "Pedreira Paulo Leminski" is named in his honour.
• Alfredo Andersen (1860–1935) — A painter and educator of Norwegian descent who spent a significant part of his life in Curitiba. He is considered the "father of Paraná painting." Andersen founded a painting school and raised an entire generation of local artists. Today, his former home and studio have been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work.
• Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012) — A world-renowned Brazilian architect. Although he was not a native of Curitiba, his contribution to the city's architectural landscape is immense. He designed one of the city's most iconic buildings — the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON), also known as the "Eye Museum." This project, completed by him at the age of 95, became one of the main symbols of modern Curitiba.
• Guta Stresser (born 1972) — A famous Brazilian actress and writer. Born in Curitiba, she gained national fame thanks to her role in the popular TV series "A Grande Família" (The Big Family), which was broadcast for many years.