Maricá history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Maricá dates back to the late 16th century, when Portuguese colonists began to settle these lands, originally inhabited by the Tupinambá (Tamoio) indigenous people. According to one version, the city's name comes from the Tupi language word "Maraca" or "Maricaha," which is associated with a local species of thorny tree or the name of a fish.

European settlement began to take shape through the distribution of land grants (sesmarias). An important milestone was the creation of a parish (freguesia) in 1755 around the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, who remains the city's patron saint today. Official town status was granted on May 26, 1814, when the Prince Regent Dom João VI signed a decree creating the "Vila de Santa Maria de Maricá".

Key Development Factors

Several conditions contributed to the transformation of the small settlement into an important city:

• Geography and Resources: A unique system of lagoons and proximity to the ocean provided residents with fish and salt, while fertile soils in the valleys were suitable for agriculture.
• Agrarian Potential: The region quickly became a centre for agriculture, specializing in the cultivation of sugar cane and, later, coffee.
• Proximity to the Capital: Its location near Rio de Janeiro and Niterói facilitated trade and population influx.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 19th century, Maricá's economy was built around large estates known as fazendas. One of the most famous was Fazenda Itaocaia, founded by Benedictine monks. This site became historically significant due to the visit of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin in 1832. In his diaries, Darwin described the richness of the local nature and the lifestyle of Brazilian fazendas of that time.

The cultural life of early Maricá was closely tied to traditions and festivals, which united the scattered population of farms and fishing villages.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1584 — Jesuit missionary José de Anchieta visits the region, an event linked to the well-known local legend of the "Miraculous Catch" in the lagoon.
• 1755 — The parish (freguesia) of Santa Maria de Maricá is officially founded, becoming the core of the future city.
• 1814 — Prince Regent Dom João VI signs a decree granting the settlement the status of a town (Vila), giving it administrative independence.
• 1832 — Famous naturalist Charles Darwin stays at Fazenda Itaocaia, studying the biodiversity of the local forests.
• 1889 — Maricá officially receives city status (Cidade) shortly after the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic.
• 1894 — Launch of the Maricá Railway, which connected the region with neighbouring cities and accelerated the export of agricultural products.
• 1966 — Final closure of the railway line, marking the transition to road transport as the primary means of communication.
• 1974 — Opening of the Rio-Niterói Bridge, which radically improved the region's accessibility and turned Maricá into a popular weekend resort.
• 2013 — Introduction of the unique social digital currency "Mumbuca," created to stimulate local trade.
• 2014 — Launch of a large-scale free public transport programme for all residents, known as the "Vermelhinhos" buses.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Maricá is a journey from an agrarian periphery to one of the most dynamically developing municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Here are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance of the city:

• The Railway Era (Late 19th – Early 20th Century).
  The construction of the Estrada de Ferro Maricá was the first powerful boost for the economy. It allowed for the export of agricultural products (sugar cane and coffee) and integrated the city with neighbouring Niterói and São Gonçalo, bringing it out of relative isolation.
• Opening of the Rio-Niterói Bridge (1974).
  The launch of the President Costa e Silva Bridge radically changed the region's logistics. Maricá became accessible to residents of Rio de Janeiro, leading to a boom in holiday home construction and transforming the city into a popular destination for summer holidays, and later, a residential suburb for those working in the state capital.
• Oil Boom and the "Pre-salt" Layer (2000s).
  The discovery of giant oil reserves offshore (the Lula field) turned Maricá into one of the largest recipients of oil royalties in Brazil. These funds became the foundation for massive investments in infrastructure, education, and social projects, completely reshaping the municipal budget.
• Launch of the "Tarifa Zero" Programme (2014).
  The creation of the municipal transport company (EPT) and the introduction of free buses, known as "Vermelhinhos" ("Little Reds"), was a revolution in urban mobility. This decision not only facilitated movement for residents but also stimulated economic activity in remote areas of the city.
• Economic Experiment with the "Mumbuca" Currency (2013).
  The implementation of its own social digital currency became a unique case for Brazil. This step allowed financial flows to be retained within the municipality, supporting small businesses and ensuring social protection for lower-income segments of the population.
• Modern Urbanization of Waterfronts.
  In recent years, the city has undergone a large-scale urban renewal. The revitalization of waterfronts in the Araçatiba and Itaipuaçu districts, along with the creation of cycle paths and park zones, is transforming Maricá from a transit point into a comfortable living space and a fully-fledged tourist centre.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Maricá presents an eclectic combination of modest colonial heritage, functional structures from the resort period, and modern urban projects funded by the economic growth of recent decades. The urban fabric is clearly divided into the historical centre and extensive residential areas along the coast.

Colonial Style and Neoclassicism (18th–19th Centuries)

The oldest buildings in the city are concentrated in its centre. They reflect Portuguese building traditions: thick walls of stone and lime, tiled roofs, and austere facades.

• Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo (Igreja Matriz): The main historical symbol of the city. Its architecture combines the foundations of the colonial style with elements of neoclassicism that appeared during 19th-century renovations. The building is distinguished by symmetry and restrained decor.
• Fazenda Itaocaia: A vivid example of rural architecture from the colonial era. The estate has retained features characteristic of old Brazilian manors: a massive main building, a chapel, and outbuildings forming a unified ensemble.

Functionalism and Resort Development (20th Century)

With the development of transport accessibility, Maricá began to grow as a holiday suburb. During this period, urban planning was spontaneous, especially in coastal areas.

• Railway Architecture: The old station building (now a museum) is designed in a utilitarian style of the late 19th century, characteristic of infrastructure facilities of that time — brickwork and arched openings.
• Itaipuaçu District: An example of large-scale planning based on the "garden city" type with a geometrically regular grid of streets, which, however, was for a long time built up with chaotic private homes (casas de veraneio) of simple architecture.

Modernism and Contemporary Urbanism (21st Century)

The modern stage of the city's development is characterized by a desire to organize space and create iconic public facilities.

• Legacy of Oscar Niemeyer: The influence of modernism can be traced in the city. Some public projects and cultural centres are inspired by or designed by the bureau of the great architect, distinguished by characteristic smooth lines, the use of reinforced concrete, and monumentality.
• Waterfront Revitalization: Projects of recent years, such as the landscaping of the Araçatiba waterfront, are executed in the spirit of modern landscape architecture. They include walking areas, cycle paths, and the integration of the urban environment with the natural landscape of the lagoons.

Distinguished Personalities in the City's History

Maricá, thanks to its nature and peaceful atmosphere, has often become a refuge for creative people, intellectuals, and statesmen. The names of famous Brazilians who lived, worked, or left their mark on its history are linked to the city.

Culture, Arts, and Science

• Maysa (Maysa Matarazzo)
  Singer, composer, and actress.
  One of the brightest stars of Brazilian music in the 1950s–70s chose Maricá as her sanctuary. She lived in a beach house in the Cordeirinho district, where she found inspiration and peace away from fame. Today, this house is one of the unofficial landmarks of the coast.
• Darcy Ribeiro
  Anthropologist, writer, and politician.
  The prominent Brazilian thinker spent his final years in Maricá, in the Cordeirinho district. In his house, which he called "Oca," he wrote the famous book "The Brazilian People" (O Povo Brasileiro). Ribeiro made a huge contribution to the development of education in Brazil and the state of Rio de Janeiro.
• João Saldanha
  Journalist and football coach.
  A legendary figure in the world of Brazilian football and journalism. Saldanha, known for his direct character and for creating the "dream team" before the 1970 World Cup, lived in Maricá for a long time, being part of the local community.
• Beth Carvalho
  Singer, "The Godmother of Samba".
  The famous samba performer had close ties to the city. She often holidayed here and even had a residence in the Barra de Maricá district. Her presence contributed to the popularization of musical culture in the region.

Historical Figures

• José de Anchieta
  Jesuit missionary.
  In 1584, the "Apostle of Brazil" visited this region. Associated with his name is the legend of the "Miraculous Catch" (Pesca Milagrosa) in the Maricá lagoon, when, according to tradition, thanks to his prayers, the locals, exhausted by hunger, were able to catch a huge amount of fish.
• Charles Darwin
  English naturalist and traveller.
  In 1832, during his voyage around the world on the ship "Beagle," Darwin stayed at Fazenda Itaocaia. In his diaries, he described in detail the richness of Maricá's tropical forests and the daily life of the locals, making the city a part of the history of world science.
• Dom João VI
  King of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.
  The monarch played a key role in the administrative establishment of the city. It was he who, in 1814, signed the decree elevating the parish to the status of "Vila" (town), granting Maricá autonomy and defining its future development.