Itanhaem history

Foundation and First Mentions

Itanhaém proudly holds the title of the second oldest city in Brazil. Its history officially began on April 22, 1532, when the Portuguese explorer Martim Afonso de Sousa founded a settlement on the coast of the modern state of São Paulo. Initially, this territory was inhabited by the indigenous Tupi-Guarani people, but with the arrival of Europeans, it quickly transformed into an important colonial outpost.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant city was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in a strategically important location — at the mouth of the Itanhaém River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This provided a convenient harbour for ships and access to waterways leading deep into the continent.
• Political Role: In 1561, the settlement received the status of a "Vila" (town), and in the 17th century, for over a hundred years, Itanhaém served as the administrative centre and capital of the Captaincy of São Vicente, governing vast territories.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Itanhaém was built on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of sugar cane and the operation of the first sugar mills (*engenhos*). Furthermore, the city served as a starting point for expeditions (*bandeiras*) heading to explore the interior of Brazil in search of gold and precious stones.

The cultural landscape of the city was shaped under the strong influence of Catholic missions. One of the founders of Brazilian literature and a famous missionary, José de Anchieta, lived and worked here. The historic city centre still preserves the memory of that era, including the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which is an important monument of colonial architecture.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1532: On April 22, a Portuguese expedition led by Martim Afonso de Sousa founded the settlement that became the second oldest city in Brazil.
• 1561: The settlement received the status of a "Vila" (Vila de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Itanhaém) and gained administrative independence.
• 1624: Itanhaém became the capital of its own Captaincy, governing vast territories extending to the modern borders with Paraná.
• 1654: Construction began on the current stone building of the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, one of the oldest churches in the country.
• 1753: The city lost its status as the capital of the Captaincy when the administrative centre was moved following the purchase of the Captaincy by the Portuguese Crown.
• 1906: The opening of a railway section connecting the coast gave a powerful impulse to economic development and the first flows of tourism.
• 1978: The government of the State of São Paulo officially granted Itanhaém the status of a Seaside Resort (Estância Balneária) for its natural and recreational resources.
• 2000s: A large-scale revitalisation of the historic centre was carried out to preserve the unique colonial heritage and attract tourists.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The history of Itanhaém is a journey from a colonial outpost to a modern tourism hub. The key milestones of the city's development are linked to changing economic cycles and infrastructure improvements.

• The Captaincy Era (1624–1753)
  During this period, Itanhaém became the administrative capital of its own Captaincy. This time laid the foundations for urban planning and strengthened the political status of the settlement, which governed vast territories of the coast and inland lands.
• Agricultural Boom (19th – Early 20th Century)
  After losing its capital status, the economy reoriented towards agriculture. The cultivation of coffee, and later bananas, became the main driver of development, shaping the agrarian landscape of the city's surroundings.
• Arrival of the Railway (1913)
  The opening of the Santos-Juquiá line section was a turning point. The railway not only simplified the export of agricultural products but also opened the city to the first mass flows of visitors, marking the beginning of holiday home construction.
• Official Resort Status (1978)
  The awarding of the title "Estância Balneária" (Seaside Resort) at the São Paulo state level radically changed the economic model. The city began to receive targeted funding for the development of tourism infrastructure, the improvement of embankments, and beach cleaning.
• Preservation of Historical Heritage (1970s–80s)
  The listing of key monuments (the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the historic centre) in the protected heritage lists of CONDEPHAAT prevented the demolition of ancient buildings for new developments. This decision preserved the unique cultural code of the city, making it attractive for educational tourism.
• Modernisation of Transport Arteries (2000s)
  The reconstruction and expansion of the Padre Manoel da Nóbrega highway, as well as the development of Itanhaém Airport, significantly reduced travel time from the metropolis of São Paulo. This turned the city into an accessible weekend recreation zone and stimulated the growth of the real estate market.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Development

The architecture of Itanhaém is a living chronicle where pages of colonial history intertwine with modern resort trends. As one of the oldest cities in Brazil, it has preserved unique examples of early Portuguese architecture, which coexist peacefully with modern urban development.

Colonial Style (16th–18th Centuries)

The most striking and significant layer of the city's architectural heritage belongs to the colonial era. This period is characterised by simplicity of form, functionality, and the use of local materials combined with Portuguese traditions.

• Religious Architecture: The dominant feature of the historical landscape is the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Convento de Nossa Senhora da Conceição). Located atop the Morro do Itaguaçu hill, it represents a classic example of the colonial style: whitewashed walls, tiled roofs, and a strict facade without excess. Another important monument is the Matriz Church of Sant'Anna (Igreja Matriz de Sant'Anna) in the central square, which has preserved altars and Baroque elements.
• Civil Buildings: The Casa da Câmara e Cadeia building (Chamber and Jail House) is a typical example of administrative architecture in colonial Brazil, combining the functions of a municipality and a prison. Massive walls and barred windows on the ground floor emphasised the utilitarian purpose of the building.

Urban Planning Development

The layout of Itanhaém was historically dictated by geography and strategic needs.

• Early Stage: The city formed around the river mouth and the hill, which provided protection and access to water. The Historic Centre (Centro Histórico) around Narciso de Andrade Square has preserved the irregular street grid characteristic of old Portuguese settlements.
• Resort Expansion (20th Century): With the arrival of the railway and the development of tourism, the city began to grow along the coastline. Districts with a regular rectangular layout appeared, oriented towards beach leisure.

Modernity and Eclecticism

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the city's appearance was complemented by modern resort architecture.

• Resort Development: Along the coast, private villas and low-rise apartment buildings (*pousadas*) dominate, built in a functional modern style. Here, the emphasis is on open terraces and the use of glass for scenic views.
• Heritage Preservation: Strict regulations operate in the historic centre, limiting the height and style of new buildings so as not to disrupt the visual integrity of the colonial ensemble.

Outstanding Historical Figures

The history of Itanhaém is inextricably linked with the names of explorers, saints, and artists who left a notable mark on the development of not only the city but all of Brazil.

• Martim Afonso de Sousa (c. 1500–1571)
  Portuguese navigator and colonial administrator.
  The founder of the city. It was he who established the settlement of Itanhaém in 1532, making it a strategic point for the Portuguese Crown on the coast and the second oldest city in the country.
• Saint José de Anchieta (1534–1597)
  Jesuit missionary, poet, and linguist.
  Known as the "Apostle of Brazil". He frequently lived and preached in Itanhaém. The legend of "Anchieta's Bed" (Cama de Anchieta) is connected to the city — a rock formation where the monk wrote his famous poem to the Virgin Mary directly on the sand.
• Benedito Calixto de Jesus (1853–1927)
  Painter, historian, and ethnographer.
  One of the most significant Brazilian artists of the turn of the 19th–20th centuries, a native of Itanhaém. His paintings serve as crucial historical documents, capturing the landscapes and daily life of the São Paulo coast of that era.
• Emídio de Souza (1868–1949)
  Landscape painter.
  Known as the "painter of Itanhaém". He dedicated the majority of his work to depicting local beaches, streets, and nature, contributing to the popularisation of the city's beauty through art.
• Narciso de Andrade (1925–2006)
  Writer, poet, and public figure.
  A key figure in preserving the cultural memory of the city in the 20th century. He was actively involved in the development of literature and education in the region; the municipal library is named in his honour.