Juiz de Fora history

The history of Juiz de Fora is a journey from a humble settlement on a strategic road to one of the industrial centres of the state of Minas Gerais. The city, which grew thanks to the "coffee fever" and early industrialisation, holds many interesting pages of the past.

Foundation and Early Years

The settlement from which the modern city grew emerged in the early 18th century under the name Santo Antônio do Paraibuna. It was located on a vital route connecting Rio de Janeiro with the gold-mining regions of Minas Gerais. The official date of the city's foundation is considered to be May 31, 1850, and it received its current name, Juiz de Fora, in 1865.

Key Factors of Formation

The rapid development of the city in the mid-19th century was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the Paraibuna River and at the intersection of trade routes became a powerful stimulus for growth.
• Economy: A real boom began in the 1850s with the flourishing of coffee plantations in the region, which turned the city into an important commercial centre.
• Industrialisation: Juiz de Fora became a pioneer of industrial development. In 1889, the "Marmelos" Hydroelectric Power Plant was built here — one of the first in Latin America. This spurred the development of the textile, beverage, and metallurgical industries.

Early Economic and Cultural Features

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Juiz de Fora earned the nickname "The Manchester of Minas Gerais" thanks to its industrial power. The city became a major railway hub and a centre of attraction for immigrants who contributed to its cultural diversity. The early development of infrastructure and industry laid the foundation for its further growth as a significant economic and educational hub of the region.

Chronology of the City's History

Major milestones in the development of Juiz de Fora, from a humble settlement on the "Gold Path" to an important industrial and cultural centre of the state of Minas Gerais.

Early 18th Century

On the "Caminho Novo" (New Path) connecting Rio de Janeiro with the gold-mining regions, the small settlement of Santo Antônio do Paraibuna emerges.

May 31, 1850

The settlement receives the official status of a *vila* (small town), which is considered the founding date of Juiz de Fora.

1856

Thanks to rapid growth associated with the coffee boom, the *vila* receives city status.

1861

The railway arrives in the city, radically accelerating its economic development and connection with the port of Rio de Janeiro.

1865

The city is officially renamed Juiz de Fora.

September 5, 1889

The "Marmelos" Hydroelectric Power Plant is inaugurated, the first major hydroelectric plant in South America, marking the beginning of the city's industrialisation.

1922

The Mariano Procópio Museum opens to the public, one of the first in Brazil, possessing a rich collection of art and historical artefacts.

March 30, 1929

The inauguration of the Cine-Theatro Central takes place — a magnificent theatre that remains one of the city's main cultural symbols today.

1960

The Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) is founded, uniting several higher schools and becoming a key educational and scientific centre of the region.

March 31, 1964

Troops begin moving from Juiz de Fora, marking the starting point of events that led to a change of power in Brazil that year.

1999

The opening of the Mercedes-Benz car factory marks a new stage in the city's industrial development and strengthens its position as an important industrial centre.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The development of Juiz de Fora is a story of constant transformation, where each stage left a deep imprint on the appearance and character of the city. From the coffee boom to the status of a modern industrial centre, these key moments defined the region's destiny.

• Opening of the "União e Indústria" Highway (1861)
  The construction of the first paved road in Latin America was a turning point. The highway connected the city with Petrópolis and the ports, ensuring the rapid export of coffee and the influx of goods. This event secured the city's status as the region's main trading hub.
• Launch of the "Marmelos" HPP (1889)
  The opening of the first hydroelectric power plant in South America gave the city a powerful energy advantage. Access to electricity allowed Brazil to develop the textile industry here, turning the city into the "Manchester of Minas Gerais" and attracting capital.
• European Immigration (Late 19th Century)
  The arrival of a large number of immigrants, especially Germans and Italians, radically changed the cultural and economic landscape. New residents brought artisanal skills, gastronomic traditions, and architectural styles that are the city's calling card today.
• Construction of the Cine-Theatro Central (1929)
  The opening of this monumental theatre became a symbol of cultural flourishing and the wealth of the urban elite of that time. The Art Deco building not only adorned the centre but also secured the city the title of the cultural capital of the region.
• Foundation of the Federal University (1960)
  The creation of UFJF transformed the urban environment, turning an industrial centre into a city of students and science. The university became a driver of innovation, attracting young people from all over the country and stimulating the development of the service and technology sectors.
• Arrival of the Automotive Industry (1999)
  The opening of the Mercedes-Benz plant marked the beginning of a new economic era. This event diversified the local economy, shifting the focus from textiles to high-tech manufacturing and strengthening the city's position on the country's industrial map.

The architectural appearance of Juiz de Fora is a living chronicle of its economic and cultural development. From the wealth of the "coffee era" to pioneering industrialisation and modernity, each stage has left its mark on the city streets, creating an eclectic and interesting urban space.

Eclecticism and Art Nouveau: Legacy of the Coffee Barons

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the peak of its economic power, Juiz de Fora was actively being built up. The architecture of this period is dominated by Eclecticism — a style mixing elements of Neoclassicism, Neo-Renaissance, and other historical directions. Luxurious mansions of coffee planters and the first industrial buildings reflected the wealth and ambitions of the city. A striking example of this era is the complex of the Mariano Procópio Museum, whose buildings demonstrate the grandeur and decorative diversity of that time. Later, in the first decades of the 20th century, buildings in the Art Nouveau style appeared with their elegant floral ornaments and flowing lines.

Art Deco: A Symbol of Progress

The 1920s and 1930s brought the fashion for Art Deco to the city — a style symbolising modernity, speed, and technological progress. Its strict geometric forms and luxurious finishes became the hallmark of a new era. The undisputed gem of this style in Juiz de Fora is the Cine-Theatro Central (1929). This monumental building, with its symmetrical facade and rich interior decoration, is considered one of the most beautiful theatres in Brazil and is a significant architectural monument.

Brazilian Modernism and Modernity

In the second half of the 20th century, the city's architecture developed in line with Brazilian Modernism, characterised by functionality, the use of reinforced concrete, and bold forms. The presence in the city of a building designed by the legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer underscores the importance of Juiz de Fora in the country's architectural context. Modern urban planning continues this line, adding new residential complexes, university campuses, and commercial buildings that form the city's dynamic appearance today.

Notable Figures Associated with the City

The city of Juiz de Fora has been the birthplace or an important stage in the lives of many famous Brazilians who left a mark on politics, art, sports, and public life in the country. Here are some of them:

• Itamar Franco (1930–2011)
  Politician, 33rd President of Brazil.
  Although Itamar Franco was not born in the city, he grew up and began his political career in Juiz de Fora, serving twice as mayor. His presidency (1992–1995) was marked by the introduction of the "Plano Real", which stabilised the country's economy and conquered hyperinflation. He remained closely tied to the city, which he considered his true home.
• Murilo Mendes (1901–1975)
  Poet and critic.
  A native of Juiz de Fora, Murilo Mendes is one of the major representatives of Brazilian Modernism and Surrealism in literature. His work, marked by deep spiritual and existential questions, received international recognition. The Murilo Mendes Art Museum is open in the city, housing his rich legacy.
• Geraldo Majella Agnelo (1933–2023)
  Cardinal of the Catholic Church.
  Born in Juiz de Fora, he rose to the highest posts in the church hierarchy. He served as Archbishop of São Salvador da Bahia and Primate of Brazil, and also participated in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
• Ana Carolina (born 1974)
  Singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.
  One of the most popular and respected singers of her generation in Brazil, Ana Carolina was born and started her musical career in Juiz de Fora. Her deep voice and original compositions have earned her numerous awards, including several Latin Grammys.
• Leda Nagle (born 1951)
  Journalist and TV presenter.
  Leda Nagle, born and educated in Juiz de Fora, is one of Brazil's most respected journalists. She hosted the iconic talk show "Sem Censura" on TV Brasil for over 20 years, becoming a benchmark for quality journalism and democratic dialogue in the country.
• Giovane Gávio (born 1970)
  Volleyball player, two-time Olympic champion.
  A native of Juiz de Fora, Giovane Gávio is a true legend of Brazilian and world volleyball. As part of the national team, he won two Olympic gold medals — in Barcelona (1992) and Athens (2004), and also became a world champion. His career is an example of outstanding sporting skill and success.