The history of Nova Trento began in 1875, when the first groups of immigrants arrived in the region. Most of the settlers came from the Trentino region, which at the time was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now part of Italy). People left Europe in search of a better life and land grants, escaping an economic crisis.
The official date of the town's political emancipation is August 8, 1892, when Nova Trento gained administrative independence from the municipality of Tijucas. The settlement was named after the city of Trento, the ancestral home of most of the early colonists.
Key Factors of Development
The town's development was determined by a combination of geographical and social conditions:
Geography and Landscape: The hilly terrain and valleys reminded the settlers of Alpine landscapes, which facilitated rapid adaptation and the choice of familiar farming methods.
Religious Factor: The work of Amabile Lucia Visintainer (the future Saint Paulina), who arrived here with her family at a young age, had a profound influence on the town's formation. Her founding of a monastic congregation laid the foundation for the town's transformation into an important spiritual center.
Agricultural Autonomy: Due to the challenging terrain and distance from major ports, the community developed in relative isolation, relying on its own strength and resources.
Early Culture and Economy
From its very first years, Nova Trento was characterized by a distinct Italian flavor that was evident in all spheres of life.
Agrarian Economy: Family farming was the basis for survival. Residents grew corn, beans, and, of course, grapes. Winemaking became one of the main economic features that has survived to this day.
Cultural Identity: An Italian dialect dominated the town for a long time, and culinary traditions (polenta, wine) as well as architectural techniques for house building were preserved.
Social Structure: Community life centered around the Catholic church and chapels, which served not only as places of prayer but also as hubs for social life and mutual aid.
Timeline
Key Milestones in the History of Nova Trento
1875 — Arrival of the first groups of immigrants from the Trentino region (Austro-Hungary) and the founding of a settlement in the valley.
1880 — Construction of the first wooden chapel, which became the focal point for the local Catholic community.
1890 — Amabile Visintainer (the future Saint Paulina) founds the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception to help the sick and needy.
1892 — Nova Trento gains the status of an independent municipality, officially separating from the town of Tijucas on August 8.
1910s — The beginning of active development in viticulture, which would later become one of the region's hallmarks.
1942 — Passing of Mother Paulina, whose spiritual legacy continued to draw believers to the town even after her death.
1950s — Modernization of urban infrastructure and improvement of road connections to the coast of Santa Catarina state.
1988 — The first "Incanto Trentino" Italian culture festival is held, becoming an annual tradition.
1991 — Visit of Pope John Paul II to Brazil and the beatification of Mother Paulina, increasing the flow of pilgrims.
2002 — Canonization of Saint Paulina at the Vatican, making her Brazil's first saint and bringing worldwide fame to the town.
2006 — Grand opening of the new Sanctuary of Saint Paulina, a massive complex designed to welcome thousands of believers.
2011 — Opening of the renovated Memorial, which houses the saint's personal belongings and historical records of the lives of the first colonists.
Present Day — Nova Trento firmly holds its status as the second most important religious tourism destination in Brazil.
Milestones
Key Milestones of the Town's Transformation
The development of Nova Trento is a journey from an isolated agricultural colony to one of the largest centers of religious tourism in Brazil. Below are the main milestones that shaped the town's modern economic and urban landscape.
Foundation of an Ethnic Enclave (1875). The arrival of immigrants from Trentino created a unique cultural environment. The significance of this stage lies in the establishment of the European model of land use and architecture, which still distinguishes the town from neighboring Brazilian settlements today.
Gaining Administrative Independence (1892). Seceding from the municipality of Tijucas allowed local authorities to manage their own budget. This kickstarted the development of its own road network and the primary urban infrastructure necessary for autonomous existence.
The Rise of Commercial Winemaking (early 20th century). The transition from growing grapes for personal consumption to producing wine for sale was the first significant economic driver. This laid the foundation for numerous family wineries that are now a vital part of agritourism.
Creating Social Infrastructure through Religion (1890s–1900s). The work of Amabile Visintainer (Mother Paulina) led to the construction of hospitals and schools under the monastic congregation. This not only provided social support for the population but also turned the town into a magnet for those in need from across the region.
Establishment of the "Incanto Trentino" Festival (1988). The organization of this annual festival was a turning point in cultural policy. The event helped preserve vanishing traditions and dialects while beginning to attract secular tourists interested in Italian heritage.
Canonization of Saint Paulina (2002). The recognition of a local resident as Brazil's first saint triggered explosive economic growth. The town had to rapidly adapt to a massive influx of pilgrims, which stimulated the construction of hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Construction of the Sanctuary of Saint Paulina (2006). The building of one of the country's largest temple complexes in the Vitória district fundamentally changed the urban landscape. A new urban cluster formed around the shrine, featuring parking lots, commercial zones, and walking alleys, shifting the center of activity from the historic downtown to the sanctuary.
Architecture
Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning
The architectural character of Nova Trento reflects its journey from an isolated agricultural colony to a major pilgrimage center. The town's urban structure is linear, dictated by the complex terrain of the valleys, with two distinct centers: the historical administrative heart (Centro) and the religious-tourism hub (the Vitória/Vígolo district).
Key Styles and Eras
Immigrant Colonial Style (late 19th – early 20th century): Characterized by the adaptation of Northern Italian building traditions to Brazilian materials. A typical structure of this era is a house with a high stone basement (cantina) for wine production and food storage, topped by a wooden residential floor.
Religious Eclecticism (mid-20th century): As the community's economy strengthened, simple wooden chapels were replaced by solid stone churches. Their appearance is dominated by Neo-Romanesque features and simplified Classicism: arched windows, symmetry, and a sense of verticality.
Modern Monumental Architecture (early 21st century): An era linked to the canonization of Saint Paulina. The style is characterized by bold engineering solutions and the use of concrete, steel, and glass. The primary goal of structures from this period is functionality and the capacity to accommodate thousands of pilgrims.
Iconic Buildings and Districts
Church of San Virgilio (Igreja Matriz São Virgílio): The architectural landmark of the town center. Situated on an elevation, the building is designed in an eclectic style. It is distinguished by its austere forms, an expressive bell tower, and rich interior decoration typical of the main parish churches in the state of Santa Catarina.
Sanctuary of Saint Paulina (Santuário Santa Paulina): The premier example of modern architecture in the Vitória district. Consecrated in 2006, the temple is shaped like a cone, symbolizing hands folded in prayer or a pilgrim's tent. The design is engineered to provide natural ventilation and acoustics while harmoniously blending into the valley's green landscape.
Historical Complex in Vitória: Alongside the modern giant of the sanctuary, early buildings have been preserved, including the "Casebre"—the modest wooden hut where the saint's mission began—and the old brick chapel. This contrast clearly demonstrates the architectural leap the town has made over a century.
Notable People
Religious Figures and Spiritual Leaders
The history of Nova Trento is inextricably linked to the Catholic faith. It was here that the people who transformed a small immigrant settlement into one of South America's main pilgrimage centers lived and worked.
Saint Paulina (Amabile Lucia Visintainer) Nun, Brazil's first saint
The town's primary historical figure. Arriving in Brazil as a child from Italy, she dedicated her life to serving the sick and the poor. In 1890, she founded the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Nova Trento. Her canonization in 2002 brought the town worldwide fame.
Father Luigi Maria Rossi Jesuit priest, spiritual mentor
An Italian missionary who played a key role in the spiritual development of Amabile Visintainer. It was he who supported her idea of creating a monastic community and helped organize the town's first hospital, which became the prototype for the congregation's future charitable work.
Virginia Rosa Nicolodi Co-founder of the congregation
Mother Paulina's closest associate. Together, they cared for the first patient in a dilapidated hut, starting a mission that grew into an international religious organization. Her contribution to the town's early history is honored alongside the saint's achievements.
Sister Celia Cadorin Nun, postulator of the canonization process
A native of Nova Trento who became a well-known author of biographies of Brazilian saints. It was she who led the official process (postulation) at the Vatican that led to the recognition of Mother Paulina's holiness. Thanks to her efforts, the town gained its current high status.
Founders and Public Figures
In addition to religious figures, pioneers and administrators played an important role in the development of the municipality, providing the town's political and social structure.
Francisco Pra Politician, first Intendant
The first official administrator (equivalent to a modern mayor) of Nova Trento after the settlement gained independent municipality status in 1892. He laid the foundations for local self-government and the town's administrative structure.
Father Alexandre Grisolli Priest, community organizer
He arrived in the colony in 1878. He not only oversaw the construction of the first chapel but also served as a teacher and social leader, helping Italian immigrants adapt to life in Brazil while preserving their cultural traditions.
The Boiteux Family Entrepreneurs and historians
Members of this family (notably Henrique Boiteux) made significant contributions to the historiography of the state of Santa Catarina. Although their work spanned the entire region, their efforts helped preserve documentary evidence of the early stages of colonization in the Tijucas River valley.