History of Fernando de Noronha

Discovery and First Mentions

The history of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago began during the Age of Discovery. The official date of the islands' discovery is considered to be 1503, when an expedition, which included the famous navigator Amerigo Vespucci, approached their shores. Initially, the land was named Ilha da Quaresma (Lent Island).

The archipelago received its modern name in honour of Fernão de Loronha — a wealthy Portuguese merchant who financed maritime expeditions. In 1504, King Manuel I granted him these islands as the first hereditary captaincy on the coast of Brazil.

Key Development Factors

The development of the territory was determined by its unique geographical position in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 350 kilometres from the mainland. This made the islands a strategically important object.

• Geography and Navigation: The archipelago served as an important landmark and a point for replenishing supplies of fresh water and food for ships crossing the ocean on their way to the New World and back.
• Struggle for Influence: Due to their location, the islands repeatedly became the object of claims by European powers. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they were temporarily occupied by the Dutch and French, which forced Portugal to erect a powerful system of fortifications here, the remains of which have survived to this day.

Early Economy and Lifestyle

In the first centuries, the economic life of the island was specific and dictated by its isolation and state needs.

• Resource Extraction: At an early stage, immediately after discovery, the islands were used to extract valuable pau-brasil wood, which was exported to Europe.
• Penal Colony: From the 18th century and for a long time, Fernando de Noronha functioned as a prison. Convicts sent here from the mainland constituted a significant part of the population and were used as the main labour force for the construction of roads, forts, and buildings.
• Agriculture: To provide food for the garrison and residents, agriculture and cattle breeding were developed, however, the island's ecosystem imposed its own limitations on the scale of agrarian production.

Colonial Era and Struggle for Influence

• 1503 — An expedition commanded by Gonçalo Coelho with the participation of Amerigo Vespucci discovers the archipelago on August 10.
• 1504 — The Portuguese king grants the islands as a hereditary possession to the merchant Fernão de Loronha, whose name later transformed into the name of the archipelago.
• 1629 — The Dutch temporarily seize the islands, using them as a strategic base in the Atlantic.
• 1737 — Portugal finally regains control over the territory and begins the construction of a large-scale system of forts for defence against French and Dutch invasions.

19th and 20th Centuries

• 1832 — The famous naturalist Charles Darwin visits the island on the ship "Beagle" and describes its geology and nature.
• 1938 — The existing colony on the island is officially transformed into a prison for political prisoners.
• 1942 — During World War II, a Federal Military Territory is created, and an Allied base is located on the island.
• 1988 — The archipelago loses the status of a federal territory and is reintegrated into the state of Pernambuco as a state district.

Modern Stage

• 1988 — The Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park is created, covering most of the archipelago to protect the unique ecosystem.
• 2001 — UNESCO includes the islands and the Rocas Atoll in the World Heritage List.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Fernando de Noronha is a journey from an impregnable military fortress and isolated colony to an elite eco-resort of global significance. Each era left its mark on the architecture, economy, and infrastructure of the archipelago.

• Large-scale Fortification (from 1737): Portugal's decision to strengthen the island led to the first serious urban planning stage. A system of ten forts connected by roads and trails was designed and erected. This construction defined not only the defence potential but also the layout of the main historical settlement — Vila dos Remédios.
• Penal Colony Infrastructure (18th–19th centuries): Prisoner labour became the main engine of the island's development during this period. Convicts paved roads with "cabeça stone" (cobblestone), built administrative buildings, warehouses, and, most importantly, water collection systems. This laid the foundation for the permanent residence of the civilian population.
• Technological Leap of World War II (1942): The deployment of the Allied military base brought modern civilisation to the island. The main economic and transport breakthrough was the construction of the runway (now the airport), as well as the appearance of the first hospital, power plant, and cinema. The island ceased to be isolated from the world.
• Administrative Integration (1988): The annexation of the archipelago to the state of Pernambuco marked the transition from military to civilian administration. This contributed to the development of small businesses, the appearance of private hotels (pousadas), and the formation of a local community focused on serving guests rather than state service.
• Ecological Reorientation of the Economy (late 20th century): The creation of the National Marine Park radically changed the vector of development. The economy was restructured towards eco-tourism with strict regulation. The introduction of an ecological tax and a limit on the number of visitors allowed for the monetisation of the unique nature while preserving its pristine appearance, which became the main "currency" of the island.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Fernando de Noronha is a unique fusion of severe military fortification, Portuguese colonial style, and modern ecological minimalism. Unlike mainland cities in Brazil, you will not find high-rise buildings or lavish palaces here. The appearance of the archipelago was formed based on two main tasks: defence of the territory and survival in conditions of isolation.

Urban development is concentrated mainly in the northeastern part of the main island, where fresh water sources and convenient bays for mooring ships were historically located.

Historical Styles and Eras

The island's development is clearly divided into a historical core (colonial period) and modern resort infrastructure. The main architectural directions are represented by the following styles:

• Military Architecture (18th century): The dominant style of the historical part. Characterised by the use of local stone, thick walls, and strategic location on high ground. These are severe, functional structures designed to withstand a siege.
• Colonial Style (18th–19th centuries): Civil and administrative buildings of that era are distinguished by simple forms, tiled roofs, and whitewashed walls with bright borders around windows and doors. The influence of Baroque is minimal here and manifests itself only in the restrained decor of religious buildings.
• Vernacular (Folk) Style and Eco-Rustic (20th–21st centuries): Modern development, represented mainly by guest houses (pousadas). This style relies on the use of natural materials (wood, straw, stone) and harmonious integration into the landscape. Strict laws prohibit the construction of multi-story buildings so as not to disturb the visual panorama of the island.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The centre of the historical and architectural life of the island is the settlement of Vila dos Remédios. It is here that the main monuments forming the "postcard" view of Fernando de Noronha are concentrated.

• Forte de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios: The main fortification structure, erected in 1737 on the ruins of an old Dutch fortification. The walls of the fort are made of stone without the use of mortar (dry masonry technique) and are a vivid example of Portuguese military engineering. The best view of the island opens from here.
• Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios: Built in 1772. This is the main religious structure of the island, executed in the style of restrained colonial baroque. The building has been restored several times but has preserved its historical façade, which was recognised as a national heritage site in 1981.
• Palácio de São Miguel: The administrative centre of the island, built in 1947 on the foundation of an old prison. The building stands out for its neo-colonial style with characteristic arches and stained glass windows depicting Archangel Michael.
• Alameda do Boldró: An area where you can see later buildings from the mid-20th century, associated with the presence of American military bases. Elements of functional architecture of that time have been preserved here, adapted for modern needs (for example, the power station building, which became a lounge and museum).

Discoverers and Owners

• Amerigo Vespucci — Navigator and cartographer.
  Participant in the 1503 expedition that discovered the archipelago. It was Vespucci who compiled the first written description of the islands, admiring their beauty and calling this place "heaven on earth". His records contributed to the popularisation of the discovery in Europe.
• Fernão de Loronha — Portuguese merchant and shipowner.
  A wealthy merchant who financed maritime expeditions to the shores of Brazil. In 1504, he received the archipelago as a gift from King Manuel I, becoming the first Donatary Captain (hereditary owner). Although he himself probably never visited his possessions, the islands were named in his honour (eventually distorted to "Noronha").
• Gonçalo Coelho — Commander and explorer.
  Led the Portuguese expedition of 1503, during which the archipelago was discovered. His ship was shipwrecked off the coast of the island, which led to a forced landing and the crew's detailed acquaintance with the area.

Scientific Figures

• Charles Darwin — Naturalist and traveller.
  Visited Fernando de Noronha in February 1832 during his round-the-world voyage on the ship "Beagle". Darwin conducted research on the geological structure of the island and described the local flora, noting the scarcity of vegetation compared to the mainland, which was included in his scientific diaries.

Political Prisoners and Figures

In the 20th century, the island served for a long time as a place of exile for dissidents and opponents of various regimes.

• Carlos Marighella — Revolutionary, writer, and politician.
  One of the most famous fighters against the dictatorship in Brazil. He was imprisoned on the island during the "Estado Novo" (Getúlio Vargas regime) in the late 1930s and early 1940s for his communist activities.
• Miguel Arraes — Politician, Governor of the State of Pernambuco.
  A prominent figure in left-wing Brazilian politics. After the military coup of 1964, he was arrested for refusing to resign and sent to prison on Fernando de Noronha, where he spent about a year before being exiled from the country.
• Gregório Bezerra — Political figure.
  A well-known leader of the communist movement, who also served time in the archipelago's prison after the events of 1964. His stay here symbolises the era of using the island as an isolation facility for political opponents of the military dictatorship.