Novo Hamburgo history

Foundation and First Settlers

The history of Novo Hamburgo is inextricably linked to the beginning of German colonisation in the south of the country. The official starting point is considered to be 1824, when the first immigrants from Germany arrived in the Rio dos Sinos valley. They settled within the territory of the São Leopoldo colony, choosing a strategically important elevation for their homes. This place was named "Hamburger Berg" (Hamburger Mountain), in honour of the famous German port from which many of them had set sail for Brazil. It was this settlement that became the historical core of the modern city.

Geography and Growth Factors

The transformation of a small village into a prosperous city was driven by its favourable geographical location and infrastructure development:

• Strategic Crossroads: The settlement was located on the route connecting the provincial capital, Porto Alegre, with the mountainous regions of Serra Gaúcha, making it an important trading post for caravans and travellers.
• The Railway: A decisive moment was the opening of the railway line in 1876. The station was named "Novo Hamburgo" (New Hamburg), which subsequently gave the name to the entire city. The railway shifted the centre of economic activity from the hill to the plains and accelerated urbanisation.
• Administrative Independence: The local elite's desire for self-governance led to separation from São Leopoldo in 1927, allowing taxes to be directed towards the development of their own urban environment.

Early Economy and Cultural Identity

Unlike many other Brazilian regions of that time, which focused on plantation farming, Novo Hamburgo developed from the very beginning as a centre of craftsmanship. German colonists brought with them skills in leather processing and the manufacture of saddles, harnesses, and footwear. Already in the 19th century, the first leather workshops began to appear here, which later evolved into the large shoe factories that defined the city's destiny.

The cultural environment of the early period was distinct and self-contained. The German language, half-timbered architecture, and a disciplined work ethic dominated the settlement. Community life was built around church parishes and public schools, contributing to a high level of literacy and the preservation of European traditions in the heart of South America.

Chronology of Key Events

The city's history is a journey from a small immigrant settlement to a major industrial centre. Below are the main dates that defined the region's development.

• 1824 — Arrival of the first German immigrants in the Rio dos Sinos valley and the founding of the Hamburger Berg settlement.
• 1832 — Construction of the first community church, which became the centre of the spiritual and social life of the settlers.
• 1876 — Opening of the railway station named "Novo Hamburgo", connecting the settlement with the provincial capital.
• 1927 — Official administrative separation from São Leopoldo and the proclamation of the independent municipality of Novo Hamburgo.
• 1952 — Laying of the foundation for the Cathedral Basilica of São Luís Gonzaga, which became the city's main architectural symbol.
• 1963 — Holding of the first National Footwear Fair (FENAC), cementing the city's status as the footwear capital of Brazil.
• 1969 — Founding of the ASPEUR educational association, which marked the beginning of the creation of the modern Feevale University.
• 1970s — A period of rapid economic growth and the mass entry of local shoe factories into international export markets.
• 1985 — Opening of the Ernesto Frederico Scheffel Foundation in the historic district to preserve cultural and artistic heritage.
• 1998 — Inauguration of the National Footwear Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the region's leather industry.
• 2014 — Extension of the Trensurb metro line to the city centre, significantly improving transport accessibility for residents.
• 2015 — The historical architectural ensemble of the Hamburgo Velho district is officially recognised as national cultural heritage.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The development of Novo Hamburgo is a journey from an agricultural colony of artisans to a modern industrial and technological hub of Brazil. Below are the key stages that shaped the economic and cultural character of the city.

• Arrival of the First German Immigrants (1824). This event established the cultural code and economic foundation of the future city. The settlers brought traditions of craftsmanship, particularly in leather processing, which predetermined the region's specialisation for centuries to come and created a unique European atmosphere.
• Opening of the Railway (1876). The launch of rail links to the port and the state capital became a powerful driver for the economy. This allowed local manufactories to reach new markets, transforming the isolated settlement into an active trade hub and accelerating urbanisation.
• Administrative Emancipation (1927). Separating from São Leopoldo and obtaining city status made it possible to keep tax revenues within the local budget. This allowed for independent urban planning, infrastructure improvement, and investment in public projects.
• Industrial Boom and Export Expansion (1960s–1970s). A period when the city firmly secured its status as the "National Footwear Capital". The mass entry of local products into international markets led to a sharp rise in prosperity, a construction boom, and a significant increase in population due to labour migration.
• Construction of the FENAC Exhibition Centre (1963). The creation of a specialised complex for footwear fairs made the city a centre for business tourism in South America. This stimulated the development of the hospitality sector and services, strengthening the city's brand on the global stage.
• Establishment of a University Centre (from 1969). The founding of educational institutes (now Feevale University) marked a shift from purely factory production to a knowledge economy. Universities began training not just workers, but designers, technologists, and managers, enhancing the region's intellectual potential.
• Integration into the Trensurb Metro System (2014). The arrival of the metro line from the state capital became the most important urban planning project of the 21st century. This radically improved transport accessibility, facilitated commuting, and gave impetus to the development of areas around the new stations.

The Architectural Look of Novo Hamburgo: From German Heritage to Modernism

The architecture of Novo Hamburgo acts as a visual map of its history, reflecting the journey from a modest settlement of German immigrants to a dynamic industrial and educational centre. The city's appearance harmoniously blends European traditions, Brazilian modernism, and contemporary trends.

German Heritage: The Enxaimel Style

The foundation of the city's architectural identity is the Enxaimel style — a Brazilian variation of the German half-timbered technique. The first colonists built houses with characteristic wooden frames, filling the spaces between them with brick or clay. This style dominated in the 19th century and still defines the look of the historic district of Hamburgo Velho. A walk through its streets allows one to see many beautifully preserved buildings that serve as a living reminder of the city's roots. A striking example is the complex housing the Ernesto Frederico Scheffel Foundation (Fundação Ernesto Frederico Scheffel).

Eclecticism and Neo-Gothic at the Turn of the Century

With the growth of economic prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more monumental structures in the spirit of Eclecticism began to appear in the city. This style mixed elements of Neoclassicism, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic. A vivid representative of this era is the Evangelical Church of the Ascension (Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana - Ascensão), whose strict Gothic forms became an important symbol of the growing city.

Brazilian Modernism

In the mid-20th century, during a period of rapid industrial growth, the architecture of Novo Hamburgo was strongly influenced by Brazilian Modernism. This style, which proclaimed functionality, clean lines, and the use of reinforced concrete, found its embodiment in iconic public buildings. The main monument of this era is the Cathedral Basilica of São Luís Gonzaga (Catedral Basílica São Luís Gonzaga). Its construction, begun in 1952, demonstrates the monumentality and simplicity of forms characteristic of modernist architecture.

Contemporary Development

Today's architectural landscape of Novo Hamburgo is shaped by its status as an innovation and educational hub. The modern campuses of Feevale University and the buildings of its technology park, Feevale Techpark, are examples of contemporary architecture. Glass, metal, and complex functional solutions predominate here, symbolising the city's transition from an industrial economy to a knowledge-based economy.

The city of Novo Hamburgo, with its rich history and dynamic development, has been the birthplace of many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields — from industry and politics to art and sports.

Key Figures in History and Culture

• Pedro Adams Filho — An industrialist and pioneer of the footwear industry. Considered one of the key figures in establishing Novo Hamburgo as the "National Footwear Capital". His entrepreneurial activity in the early 20th century laid the foundation for the city's economic prosperity.
• Raul Klein — A political figure. He was the first mayor of the city after Novo Hamburgo gained administrative independence in 1927, playing an important role in its early formation.
• Ernesto Frederico Scheffel — A distinguished artist. His legacy is immortalised in the cultural foundation and museum, the Ernesto Frederico Scheffel Foundation, which houses thousands of his works reflecting the history and spirit of the region.
• Jacobina Mentz Maurer — A historical and religious figure of the 19th century. Leader of the "Muckers" movement, she is one of the most famous and controversial personalities in the region's history, preceding the city's formal founding.
• Rui Spohr — A renowned fashion designer. A recognised master of haute couture in Brazil, he made a significant contribution to the development of the Brazilian fashion industry.

World Sports Stars

• Alisson Becker — A world-famous footballer and goalkeeper. He plays for the English club Liverpool and the Brazilian national team, considered one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
• Maicon Douglas Sisenando — A former professional footballer. He became famous for his performances for Inter Milan and the Brazilian national team, with whom he achieved great success on the international stage.
• André Heller — A volleyball player. As part of the Brazilian national team, he became an Olympic champion, World champion, and multiple winner of the World League, being one of the city's most titled athletes.