Natal history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Natal begins with military necessity. In the late 16th century, the north-eastern coast of the modern territory of Brazil attracted French corsairs who were actively trading valuable pau-brasil wood with local indigenous tribes. To secure its rights to these lands and expel the French, the Portuguese crown sent an expedition to build defensive structures.

On January 6, 1598, on the Feast of the Three Kings (Magi), the Portuguese began the construction of a fortress at the mouth of the Potengi River, named the Fort of the Three Wise Men (Forte dos Reis Magos). The settlement that grew under the protection of the fort was officially founded on December 25, 1599. In honour of the founding date—Christmas Day—the city received the name Natal, which means "Christmas" in Portuguese.

Key Factors of Formation

Geographical location played a decisive role in the city's destiny. Natal is located in the easternmost part of South America, forming a strategic "corner" of the continent. This made it an ideal place for controlling sea routes and defending the coast, but also a vulnerable target for invaders. In the 17th century, the city briefly came under Dutch control, receiving the name New Amsterdam, before returning to the Portuguese.

Political power in the early period was concentrated in the hands of military commandants and captains-major. The city developed slowly, as its main function for many years remained territorial defence rather than trade expansion.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Unlike neighbouring Pernambuco, where rich sugar cane plantations flourished, the soils around Natal were sandy and less fertile due to the abundance of dunes. This defined the specifics of the local economy: instead of sugar barons, a society formed here that was focused on cattle breeding (livestock farming in the sertões—arid hinterlands) and salt extraction.

The cultural life of early Natal was modest and closely tied to Catholic traditions. The city grew chaotically around the parish church (now the Old Cathedral) and the fortress. Due to the lack of excess profits from sugar, the architecture remained simple and utilitarian, retaining features of colonial asceticism right up until the early 20th century.

Key Dates in Natal's History

• 1598 — The Portuguese lay the foundation of the Fort of the Three Wise Men (Forte dos Reis Magos) for protection against French privateers.
• December 25, 1599 — Official foundation of the settlement by the fortress walls, which receives the name Natal, translating to "Christmas" from Portuguese.
• 1633–1654 — Period of Dutch occupation, during which the city was known as New Amsterdam.
• 19th Century — Natal remains a small city with an economy based on livestock and salt mining, unlike neighbouring regions growing rich on sugar cane.
• 1922 — The first wave of urbanization and modernization of the city begins, linked to the development of the port and infrastructure.
• 1942–1945 — During World War II, Natal becomes a strategically important Allied airbase ("The Trampoline to Victory") due to its location closest to Africa.
• 1988 — Construction of the New Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Natal) is completed, becoming an important architectural symbol of the city.
• 1980s — Active development of tourism infrastructure begins, with the construction of hotels and roads, turning the city into a popular tourist destination.
• 2007 — The Newton Navarro Bridge opens, one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in Brazil, becoming a new symbol of the city and improving transport connections.
• 2014 — Natal becomes one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup matches, giving new impetus to the development of urban infrastructure.

Since its foundation in the late 16th century, Natal has come a long way from a small Portuguese fortress to one of the most important tourism and economic centres of north-eastern Brazil. Key stages of its history reflect the transformation of the city and the entire country.

Major Milestones in Natal's Development

• Strategic Outpost in World War II. In the 1940s, thanks to its geographical position—the closest point in South America to Africa—Natal became a crucial Allied airbase. American military personnel called it the "Trampoline to Victory" (Trampolim da Vitória), as planes departed from here to support operations in North Africa. This period gave a powerful boost to infrastructure development: the airport was built and modernized, new roads appeared, and the city's population grew significantly.
• Foundation of the Federal University (1958). The creation of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) turned Natal into a major educational and scientific centre of the region. This contributed to the training of qualified personnel and the cultural enrichment of city life.
• Construction of "Via Costeira" and the Tourism Boom. In the 1980s, the Via Costeira coastal highway was built—a 10-kilometre avenue along the ocean where the largest hotels and resort complexes are located. This project became a turning point in the city's economy, transforming Natal into a popular tourist destination known as the "City of the Sun".
• Construction of the Newton Navarro Bridge (2007). The opening of the Newton Navarro cable-stayed bridge across the Potengi River was an important event in urban planning. The bridge not only connected the northern districts with the centre and the southern part of the city but also became one of its most recognizable modern symbols.
• 2014 FIFA World Cup. Hosting World Cup matches gave new impetus to the city's development. Specifically for this event, the Arena das Dunas stadium and the new Greater Natal International Airport were built, which once again modernized the urban infrastructure and strengthened its status on the international stage.

The architectural appearance of Natal represents a fascinating chronicle of the city's development: from stern military fortifications of the colonial era to bold futuristic projects of the 21st century. Urban planning here is clearly divided into historical zones that preserve the spirit of the past, and modern districts symbolizing the rapid growth of this tourist hub in Brazil.

Colonial Style and Military Architecture (16th–18th Centuries)

The early architecture of the city was dictated by the need for defence. Buildings of this period are characterized by massiveness, simplicity of form, and functionality. The main building materials were local stone and limestone.

• Fort of the Three Wise Men (Forte dos Reis Magos): The prime example of military architecture with which the history of the city began. It is a classic star-shaped fortress, characteristic of Portuguese fortification of that time.
• Historic Centre (Cidade Alta): In the Cidade Alta district, narrow streets and colonial mansions have been preserved, reminiscent of the first centuries of the settlement's existence.

Neoclassicism and Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The period of economic revival linked to the modernization of the port and the growth of trade brought European trends to Natal. The Ribeira district became the centre of public life, where buildings with rich decor and elements of Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism appeared.

• Alberto Maranhão Theatre: A gem of the city's architecture, built in the Art Nouveau style with eclectic elements. The building's façade is decorated with exquisite stucco and tiles imported from Europe.
• Potengi Palace (Palácio Potengi): The former residence of the state government, designed in a strict neoclassical style symbolizing order and power.

Modernism and Contemporary Architecture (20th–21st Centuries)

In the second half of the 20th century, the city began to grow rapidly, reflected in the appearance of high-rise buildings and large-scale infrastructure projects. Modern Natal experiments with forms, concrete, and glass.

• Natal Cathedral: A unique example of modern religious architecture. The building has an unusual trapezoidal shape, which provides natural ventilation and protection from the sun, which is extremely important in a tropical climate.
• City Park (Parque da Cidade): A complex designed by the great Oscar Niemeyer. His signature flowing lines and use of reinforced concrete stand out vividly against the natural landscape of the dunes.
• Arena das Dunas: The stadium built for the 2014 World Cup has become an icon of modern architecture. Its undulating shape is inspired by the region's famous sand dunes.

Prominent Figures Connected to Natal

The history and culture of Natal are enriched by the contributions of many talented and influential people. From politicians of national scale to geniuses of art, here are some of the key figures whose names are inextricably linked with this city.

• Luís da Câmara Cascudo (1898–1986) — historian, folklorist, journalist. Undoubtedly the most significant cultural figure of the region. Câmara Cascudo dedicated his life to studying and preserving Brazilian culture and folklore. His works are considered fundamental for understanding national traditions, and a memorial in the historic centre of Natal bears his name.
• João Café Filho (1899–1970) — politician, 18th President of Brazil. Born in Natal, Café Filho became the only native of the state of Rio Grande do Norte to reach the country's presidency. He led Brazil in 1954–1955, during one of the most tense periods of its political history.
• Alberto Maranhão (1872–1944) — politician, state governor. Serving as governor in the early 20th century, he carried out a large-scale modernization of Natal. Under his leadership, electric lighting appeared in the city, and iconic buildings were constructed, including the magnificent theatre that today bears his name — the Alberto Maranhão Theatre.
• Newton Navarro (1928–1992) — artist, poet, playwright. One of the most beloved and revered art figures in Natal. His work, celebrating local landscapes and people, became a symbol of the city's cultural identity. The famous cable-stayed bridge is named in his honour — the Newton Navarro Bridge, which has become a modern symbol of Natal.
• Clóvis Mota (1928–1979) — politician, vice-governor of the state. An influential politician of the mid-20th century who served as a deputy and vice-governor. He is remembered as a defender of social reforms and the author of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
• Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012) — architect. Although he was not born in Natal, one of the greatest architects of the 20th century left his mark on the city's appearance. The Natal City Park was created based on his design, gifting residents an important public space and yet another architectural gem.