Petrolina history

The history of Petrolina, located in the state of Pernambuco, is inextricably linked to the mighty São Francisco River. Emerging in the semi-arid "sertão" region, this city serves as a prime example of how geographical location and human ingenuity can transform desert lands into a thriving oasis.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was officially founded in 1893. Its origins trace back to a small settlement that formed around a chapel dedicated to Our Lady Queen of Angels (Nossa Senhora Rainha dos Anjos), who is considered the city's patron saint. The city owes its name, "Petrolina", to a tribute paid to the Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II and his wife, Teresa Cristina.

Key Factors in Development

The development of Petrolina was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the banks of the São Francisco River was decisive. The river served as the main transport artery and a source of water, which was vital for the region's arid climate.
• Trade and Transport: River navigation fostered trade between regions. Petrolina became a significant logistics hub, connecting inland territories with the coast.
• Agriculture: Initially, the economy was based on cattle ranching and subsistence farming. However, a real breakthrough occurred in the 20th century with the development of irrigation technologies. This allowed the surrounding lands to be transformed into one of Brazil's largest centres for fruit cultivation, specifically mangoes and grapes.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early stages of its existence, Petrolina's culture was shaped by the traditions of the "sertanejo" — the inhabitants of the Brazilian backlands. The economy focused on servicing the river route and meeting the needs of the local population. Over time, thanks to the agricultural boom, the city attracted migrants from various parts of Brazil, enriching its cultural landscape and contributing to rapid population and infrastructure growth.

The history of Petrolina is a story of transforming a small riverside settlement into one of the most important agrarian and economic centres in northeastern Brazil. Here are the key moments of this journey:

• 1858 — Construction begins on the Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels (Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora Rainha dos Anjos), considered the starting point for the formation of a permanent urban settlement at the future city's location.
• 1870 — The settlement, previously known as Passagem de Juazeiro, officially receives village status and the name Petrolina, presumably in honour of the Brazilian Emperor Pedro II and his wife.
• September 21, 1895 — After several administrative changes, Petrolina finally receives city status (cidade).
• 1927 — The railway arrives in the city, radically improving logistics and providing a powerful impetus for economic growth and connection with other regions of the country.
• 1929 — Construction is completed and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is consecrated, becoming one of the city's main architectural symbols.
• 1954 — The President Dutra Bridge opens, connecting Petrolina with the neighbouring city of Juazeiro in the state of Bahia, strengthening economic and social ties between them.
• 1970s — Implementation of large-scale irrigation projects begins, made possible by the construction of the Sobradinho Dam on the São Francisco River, laying the foundation for an agrarian miracle.
• 1980s — Thanks to an advanced irrigation system, the city transforms into the largest producer and exporter of fruits, especially grapes and mangoes, in Brazil.
• 2001 — The Integrated Administrative Region for Development of the Petrolina-Juazeiro Pole is officially created to coordinate and stimulate the joint development of the conurbation.

Key Stages of Petrolina's Development

The rapid growth of Petrolina is a striking example of how technology and strategic planning can transform a region. The city has journeyed from a small settlement to one of the most dynamic agrarian centres in Brazil. Here are the main milestones of this journey:

• Overcoming Isolation and Becoming a Transport Hub. The arrival of the railway in the early 20th century and, crucially, the construction of the President Dutra Bridge in the 1950s, connecting Petrolina to the neighbouring city of Juazeiro, radically changed logistics. The city ceased to be isolated and turned into an important transport node in the country's northeast.
• Agrarian Revolution in the São Francisco Valley. Beginning in the 1970s, the implementation of large-scale irrigation projects became a turning point in the city's history. Irrigation technologies allowed semi-arid lands (sertão) to be turned into one of Brazil's most fertile regions, laying the groundwork for future economic prosperity.
• Achieving "Fruit Capital" Status. Thanks to irrigation, since the 1980s, Petrolina has become a national leader in the production and export of table grapes and mangoes. Today, produce from the São Francisco Valley is supplied to markets worldwide, and the city is firmly associated with high-quality fruits.
• Formation of the Petrolina-Juazeiro Conurbation. Economic success led to close integration with the city of Juazeiro on the other side of the river. The creation of an integrated economic development zone in 2001 officially cemented the status of the two cities as a single economic and social space, one of the largest agglomerations in the interior of the northeast.
• The Birth of Tropical Viticulture. One of the unique cultural and economic phenomena has been the development of winemaking. Petrolina proved that quality wines can be produced in a tropical climate, with multiple harvests per year. This created a new tourism niche — enogastronomic tourism in the São Francisco Valley.
• Becoming a Scientific and Educational Centre. To support agrarian innovations, important educational institutions were established in the city, including the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF). This allowed for the training of highly qualified specialists and the conduct of scientific research aimed at developing agriculture in the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Petrolina reflects its rapid transformation from a small river settlement into a thriving agribusiness capital. Unlike the ancient colonial cities of the coast, 20th-century development predominates here, where historical buildings in Eclectic and Neo-Gothic styles stand alongside modern functional structures that emerged thanks to the economic boom.

Main Styles and Eras

The city's urban development can be roughly divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the architecture:

• Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries (Eclecticism and Neoclassicism): The early period of development is characterized by single and two-story buildings in the historic centre (Centro Antigo). This was a time of establishing trade, when house facades were adorned with decorative cornices and elements borrowed from European styles, adapted for the local climate.
• First Half of the 20th Century (Neo-Gothic): During this period, the influence of the church on shaping the urban landscape was decisive. A prime example is the construction of monumental religious structures reaching skyward, symbolizing the community's spiritual growth.
• Second Half of the 20th Century – Present Day (Modernism and Contemporary Architecture): With the arrival of irrigation and economic growth, the city began to grow vertically. Multi-story residential complexes, administrative buildings made of concrete and glass, and wide avenues appeared. Special attention is paid to the development of the waterfront, which has become the face of the modern city.

Landmark Buildings and Architectural Dominants

Petrolina's appearance is shaped by several key structures that serve as landmarks for residents and tourists:

• Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Catedral do Sagrado Coração de Jesus): The undisputed dominant feature of the city centre. Built in 1929 in the Neo-Gothic style, the cathedral impresses with its grandeur, lancet windows, and rich interior decoration. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
• Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels (Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora Rainha dos Anjos): An older and more modest church, executed in a traditional style characteristic of the Brazilian hinterland of the 19th century. It retains features of colonial simplicity and is the historical core around which the city expanded.
• Old Railway Station (Antiga Estação Ferroviária): A 1923 building representing an example of civil architecture from the early 20th century. Today, it has been restored and serves as a cultural space, preserving the memory of the times when the railway was the main engine of progress.
• The Waterfront (Orla de Petrolina): An example of modern urban planning focused on recreation. Here, architecture gives way to landscape design: promenades, restaurants, and leisure zones are harmoniously integrated into the coastline of the São Francisco River.

Notable Figures of Petrolina

The history of Petrolina is rich with the names of people whose lives and activities are inextricably linked to the development of the city and the entire region. From influential politicians who shaped the economic landscape to unique cultural figures — here are some of the key figures who left their mark on the city's history.

Nilo Coelho (Nilo de Sousa Coelho), 1920–1983

Politician, physician. A native of Petrolina, Nilo Coelho is considered one of the most influential political figures in the city's history. His career included posts as Governor of the State of Pernambuco, Senator, and President of the Federal Senate of Brazil. His work in high government offices contributed to attracting investment to the region and implementing important infrastructure projects.

Ana das Carrancas, 1923–2008

Ceramic artist. Ana Leopoldina dos Santos, known as Ana das Carrancas, is an icon of Brazilian folk art. Although born in another city, she spent most of her life in Petrolina, where she created her famous clay "carrancas" sculptures — figureheads used as talismans for boats on the São Francisco River. Her works, featuring characteristic "blind" eyes (in honour of her husband who lost his sight), achieved global recognition, and her home-studio in Petrolina became a cultural centre and museum.

Fernando Bezerra Coelho, born 1957

Politician, administrator. A native of Petrolina, Fernando Bezerra Coelho is one of the region's most famous modern politicians. He was elected Mayor of Petrolina three times and served as Minister of National Integration and Senator. His tenure as mayor and in the federal government was closely linked to the development of irrigation agriculture, which transformed Petrolina into a global fruit exporter.

Geraldo Coelho, 1926–2018

Politician. Known by the nickname "Tractor of the Sertão" for his energetic activity, Geraldo Coelho was Mayor of Petrolina and a state deputy for six terms. He is credited with implementing key projects for the city, such as the construction of the international airport and Integration Avenue (Avenida da Integração), which played a decisive role in Petrolina's logistical and urban development.

Osvaldo Coelho (Osvaldo de Sousa Coelho), 1931–2015

Politician, lawyer. Although born in neighbouring Juazeiro, his political career was closely tied to the development of the entire São Francisco Valley region, including Petrolina. Like his brothers Nilo and Geraldo, he was an influential figure: he was elected federal deputy for eight terms and actively participated in drafting legislation aimed at developing Brazil's semi-arid regions.

Clementino de Souza Coelho, 1885–1952

Political leader, landowner. Known as "Colonel Quelê" (Coronel Quelê), Clementino Coelho was the patriarch of a political dynasty that dominated the region throughout the 20th century. As the father of Nilo, Geraldo, and Osvaldo, he laid the foundation for his family's political and economic influence, playing a key role in establishing Petrolina as an important centre in the Pernambuco sertão.