Navegantes history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The history of Navegantes is inextricably linked to the sea and the Itajaí-Açu River. Initially, this territory was known as "Pontal" and was part of the neighbouring city of Itajaí. The settlement of the region began in the 19th century, primarily by immigrants from the Azores, who brought their traditions and way of life here.

The city received its modern name thanks to the religious devotion of local residents. In the late 19th century, a chapel was erected here in honour of Our Lady of Navigators (Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes), the patroness of sailors, which determined the future name of the settlement. The city gained official administrative independence in 1962.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Navegantes was driven by its advantageous geographical position on the left bank of the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu River. The main drivers of growth were:

• Geography: Its location at the outlet to the Atlantic Ocean made the settlement an important point for navigation.
• River Connection: Proximity to the port city of Itajaí on the opposite bank stimulated the development of crossings and trade.
• Shipbuilding: The availability of timber and waterways facilitated the emergence of shipyards specialising in the construction of wooden vessels.

Early Culture and Economy

The economic foundation of early Navegantes was built on fishing and small-scale agriculture. Local residents engaged in harvesting fish and seafood, which remains an important part of the city's identity to this day.

Culturally, the city was formed under the strong influence of Azorean heritage. This was evident in architecture, gastronomy, and especially in religious festivities, the main one being the veneration of Our Lady of Navigators. This festival is still one of the most significant events in the region, uniting faith and maritime traditions.

Major Historical Milestones

• Mid-19th Century — The first families of settlers from the Azores establish themselves on the territory of the current city, then called "Pontal".
• 1896 — Grand opening of the Chapel of Our Lady of Navigators, in whose honour the settlement subsequently received its name.
• 1912 — Navegantes officially receives the status of an administrative district within the municipality of Itajaí.
• 1962 — A state law is passed proclaiming the political and administrative independence of Navegantes.
• August 26, 1962 — Official installation of the municipality, considered the founding date of the city.
• 1970 — An airport opens in the city, unlocking new opportunities for tourism and trade in the region.
• 1978 — The airport is named after Minister Victor Konder; it later received international status.
• 2007 — Start of operations of Portonave, a major port terminal that became a significant economic engine for the city.
• 2010s — Active development of the shipbuilding industry and logistics turns the city into one of the key transport hubs of the state of Santa Catarina.

Stages of City Transformation

Navegantes has journeyed from a humble fishing village to one of the main logistics centres of Southern Brazil. Below are the key moments that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Azorean Heritage and Maritime Culture. The first settlers from the Azores laid the cultural foundation of the region. This determined the historical specialisation in fishing and created unique traditions that still attract tourists during religious festivals.
• Administrative Emancipation (1962). Separation from neighbouring Itajaí allowed the city to manage its budget independently. This event became the starting point for independent urban planning and the development of social infrastructure.
• Opening of the Airport (1970). The construction of the airport (now the Minister Victor Konder International Airport) strategically changed the role of the city. Navegantes became the main air gateway for tourists heading to popular resorts in Santa Catarina, such as Balneário Camboriú.
• Launch of Portonave Terminal (2007). The opening of Brazil's first private port terminal caused a true economic boom. This turned the city into a vital logistics hub, significantly increasing tax revenues and creating thousands of jobs.
• Formation of the Shipbuilding Cluster. Utilising the geographical advantage at the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu River led to the development of powerful shipyards. Shipbuilding and vessel repair became the second pillar of local industry alongside port activities.
• Modern Coastal Urbanisation. In recent years, the city has been actively investing in improving the coastline, especially in the Gravatá beach area. The construction of embankments, cycle paths, and recreational areas has transformed the image of Navegantes from a purely industrial centre into a comfortable place for living and beach relaxation.

Urban Development and General Appearance

The architectural appearance of Navegantes reflects its transformation from a modest fishing settlement into a major logistics and tourism centre. The urban layout is characterised by linear development along the Atlantic coast and the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu River. Historically, buildings were low-rise and functional, oriented towards the needs of fishing and port activities. In recent decades, active verticalisation has been observed, especially in coastal areas, bringing the city closer to the urban trends of neighbouring Balneário Camboriú, but on a more restrained scale.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In Navegantes, it is difficult to identify monumental historical styles like Baroque or Classicism in their pure form, as the city is relatively young as an independent administrative unit. Major directions include:

• Vernacular Architecture (Azorean Influence): Early development was characterised by simple single-story houses, typical for settlers from the Azores. Although few original 19th-century buildings remain, this style influenced the layout of old quarters and the use of bright colours in decoration.
• Religious Modernism: Manifests in religious structures of the second half of the 20th century. The architecture of temples departs from traditional canons, using modern forms and symbolism related to the sea.
• Functionalism and Industrial: Dominates in the port and airport area. These are utilitarian structures made of concrete and steel, huge warehouse terminals, and port cranes, forming the industrial skyline of the city from the river side.
• Modern Residential Architecture (21st Century): Multi-story residential complexes (condominiums) along the beaches. They are characterised by panoramic glazing, concise geometric forms, and the use of modern materials designed for the humid maritime climate.

Iconic Structures and Districts

Key objects forming the visual image of the city:

• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Navigators (Santuário Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes): The main religious symbol of the city. The modern building, reconstructed in the 20th century, features unique architecture in the shape of a ship. The interior also contains maritime motifs, highlighting the city's connection with the ocean.
• Gravatá District (Gravatá): The most dynamically developing part of the city. Modern high-rise buildings are concentrated here, forming the new tourist façade of Navegantes. The district demonstrates the transition from a low-rise past to resort urbanism.
• North Mole (Molhe Norte): A large-scale hydraulic structure at the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu River. Although it is an engineering object, it is an important part of the urban landscape, offering a panoramic view of passing giant vessels and the architecture of the neighbouring city of Itajaí.
• Portonave Port Complex: Occupies a significant part of the river façade. Its powerful infrastructure and modern administrative buildings are a prime example of modern port architecture, symbolising the economic power of the region.

Historical Figures and Founders

• João Dias de Arzão
  First settler and landowner
  Considered the first coloniser of the region. In the mid-17th century (around 1658), he received a land grant (sesmaria) on the left bank of the Itajaí-Açu River. His arrival marked the beginning of the settlement of the territory, which later became the city of Navegantes.
• Manoel dos Santos Gaya
  Patron and religious figure
  A key figure in shaping the spiritual identity of the city. In 1899, he donated a statue of Our Lady of Navigators (Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes), brought from Rio de Janeiro, to the community. This event not only strengthened local faith but also gave the city its modern name.
• Father Antônio Eising (Padre Antônio Eising)
  Priest and initiator of construction
  While serving as the vicar of the Itajaí parish, in 1896 he submitted a petition for the construction of the first chapel within the settlement. Thanks to his efforts, the foundation was laid for the religious centre of the city, around which public life was formed.

Figures of Culture, Education, and Politics

• Paulina Gaya
  Educator and enlightener
  Born in Navegantes in 1890. She dedicated her life to education, teaching children and adults, including future sailors of the merchant navy. She is a symbol of dedication to enlightenment in the history of the city; one of the local schools is named after her.
• Osório Gonçalves Viana
  Historian and public figure
  Author of the first book on the history of Navegantes, recording traditions, folklore, and key events of the region. He actively participated in the movement for the political emancipation of the city in the 1960s, helping Navegantes gain independence from Itajaí.
• Joca Honorato Coelho
  Shipbuilder and one of the founders of the municipality
  Representative of a famous dynasty of shipwrights. The Coelho family played an important role in the development of shipbuilding — one of the main economic sectors of the city. Joca Honorato was also among the leaders who stood at the origins of the administrative formation of the city.
• Victor Konder
  Minister of Transport and politician
  Although born in neighbouring Itajaí, his name is inextricably linked to Navegantes thanks to the international airport named in his honour. As the Minister of Transport of Brazil (1926–1930), he made a huge contribution to the development of the region's infrastructure, which predetermined the future status of Navegantes as a logistics hub.