History of Santarem

The city of Santarém was officially founded on 22 June 1661. Its history is inextricably linked to the era of the colonization of Brazil. The settlement was established by Portuguese Jesuit missionaries on the site of a large village of the indigenous Tapajós people, who had inhabited these lands since ancient times. Initially, a mission operated here, becoming the core of the future city.

A key factor determining the development of Santarém was its unique geographic location. The city is situated at the confluence of two great rivers — the Amazon and the Tapajós, which transformed it into an important strategic and trading hub of the region. Control over this point ensured access to vast territories of the Amazon, facilitating both missionary activity and economic expansion.

The early economy of the city was closely tied to the natural resources of the surrounding jungles. In the 19th century, a powerful impulse for development was provided by the so-called rubber boom, which swept through the entire Amazon. Besides rubber extraction, logging played an important role. Culturally, Santarém became a place of synthesis between Portuguese traditions and indigenous beliefs. One of the striking manifestations of this heritage was the art of pottery making, examples of which can be seen in local museums today.

Key Dates in the History of Santarém

The history of Santarém is a fascinating chronicle reflecting the most important stages of the exploration of the Amazon, from ancient civilizations to modern economic transformations.

• Around 1000 BC — Archaeological finds indicate the emergence of the advanced Tapajós culture in this region, known for its unique ceramics.
• 22 June 1661 — Considered the official founding date of the city; the Portuguese Jesuit missionary João Felipe Bettendorff established a mission on the site of the indigenous settlement.
• 14 March 1758 — The settlement receives the status of a "Vila" (small town) and is officially renamed Santarém in honour of the city of the same name in Portugal.
• 24 October 1848 — Santarém receives the official status of a city (cidade), cementing its administrative and economic importance in the province of Pará.
• 1867 — Following the American Civil War, a group of Confederate immigrants arrives in the Santarém region, establishing their own settlement here.
• 1879–1912 — The city becomes a vital logistics and trading centre during the first cycle of the rubber fever, experiencing a period of rapid economic growth.
• 1928 — Near Santarém, Henry Ford establishes the "Fordlândia" project — a massive plantation for rubber production, which became a famous historical experiment.
• 1970s — Construction begins on strategically important highways, including the Trans-Amazonian Highway (BR-230) and the BR-163 route, connecting Santarém with the central-western region of Brazil.
• 2003 — Modernization of the Port of Santarém is completed, transforming it into one of the main river ports for the export of soy and other agricultural crops from the Amazon.
• 2009 — The Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA) is established with its main campus in Santarém, strengthening its role as an educational and scientific centre of the region.

Major Milestones in Santarém's Development

The development of Santarém is a story of adaptation and growth, driven by its strategic position in the heart of the Amazon. From a resource extraction centre to a modern logistics and educational hub, the city has passed through several key stages of transformation.

The Rubber Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

During the rubber fever period, Santarém turned into one of the significant centres for the collection and export of latex. This boom attracted capital and labour to the city, fostering economic growth and the appearance of new, more refined architecture, traces of which remain visible today. The city became a bustling trading post on the Amazon river route.

The "Fordlândia" Project (1928)

Although this ambitious project by Henry Ford to create a rubber plantation was located downstream on the Tapajós River, it had a huge impact on the entire region, including Santarém. "Fordlândia" became a symbol of the attempt to industrialize the Amazon, bringing thousands of workers and new technologies to the region, which indirectly stimulated economic activity in Santarém as well.

Construction of Key Highways (1970s)

The laying of the Trans-Amazonian Highway (BR-230) and the BR-163 route, connecting Santarém with the southern agricultural regions of Brazil, was a turning point. The city ceased to be an isolated river port and gained access to the national road network. This laid the foundation for its future role as a major logistics hub.

Port Modernization (Early 2000s)

Reconstruction and expansion of the port allowed Santarém to become one of the main water gateways for the export of agricultural produce, primarily soy, from the state of Mato Grosso. This strengthened the city's economy, turning it into a strategically important point in the global food supply chain.

Emergence as an Ecotourism Hub (Since the 1990s)

Thanks to unique sites such as the "meeting of the waters" of the Amazon and Tapajós, as well as the world-famous beaches of the village of Alter do Chão, Santarém has become an important destination for ecological and beach tourism. The development of this sector has diversified the economy, created new jobs, and attracted international attention to the natural riches of the region.

Establishment of the Federal University (2009)

The creation of the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA) with its main campus in Santarém was a crucial step in cultural and social development. This transformed the city into a regional educational and scientific centre, attracting youth and specialists while fostering an environment of innovation.

The architectural appearance of Santarém represents a multi-layered picture, reflecting key stages of Amazonian history. The urban development of the city progressed from a compact colonial centre to a modern logistics and educational node, and each period has left its mark on the built environment.

Colonial Period (17th–19th Centuries)

The early architecture of Santarém was shaped by Portuguese colonial traditions. This period is characterized by simple and functional structures, adapted to the hot and humid climate. The main materials used were wood and clay. Religious structures occupied a central place in the development. The brightest example of this era is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Catedral Metropolitana de Santarém), the construction of which began in 1761. Its style can be described as late Baroque with elements of Neoclassicism, which is typical for Brazilian religious architecture of that time. The city developed around this cathedral and the port zone, forming a grid of streets that has been preserved in the historic centre.

Rubber Boom Era (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

The period of rubber fever brought wealth to the region, which was immediately reflected in the architecture. In Santarém, as in other Amazonian cities, more luxurious buildings in the styles of Eclecticism and Neoclassicism began to appear. Wealthy merchants built mansions decorated with stucco, wrought-iron balconies, and facades lined with Portuguese azulejo tiles. Although not on the same scale as in Manaus or Belém, buildings demonstrating the prosperity of that era can still be found in Santarém. An example is the Theatro Victória building, which, despite subsequent alterations, has retained features of the architecture of its time.

Modern Development (Mid-20th Century – Present)

Since the mid-20th century, especially after the construction of major highways and the modernization of the port, the city began to grow rapidly. This stage is characterized by the appearance of functional and modernist architecture. New districts were built without strict planning, leading to a mix of styles. In modern Santarém, practical concrete and brick buildings oriented towards commercial and residential use predominate. The establishment of the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA) also contributed to the appearance of new campuses and modern public buildings, reflecting the city's current status as an important regional centre.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Santarém

Santarém, the cultural and historical centre of the western part of the state of Pará, has been the birthplace and home to many talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, politics, and public life of Brazil. Their legacy continues to shape the identity of the city and the entire Amazon region.

• Maestro Wilson Fonseca (1912–2002) — Composer and conductor. One of the most iconic figures in Amazonian culture. Fonseca dedicated his life to music, creating over 1,600 works, many of which were inspired by Amazonian myths, sounds, and rhythms. The international airport of Santarém bears his name, underscoring his immense significance to the city.
• Sebastião Tapajós (1942–2021) — World-renowned virtuoso guitarist and composer. Born in Santarém, he became one of Brazil's greatest guitarists. In his work, Tapajós masterfully combined classical technique with Brazilian folk melodies, especially the rhythms of the Amazon. He released dozens of albums and performed on the world's best stages, celebrating the culture of his native land.
• Dica Frazão (1921–2017) — Artist and fashion designer. A unique self-taught talent who received international recognition for creating clothing and works of art from natural Amazonian materials: seeds, roots, fibres, and leaves. Her works, true anthems to nature, found their way into the collections of famous personalities worldwide, including Pope John Paul II. A museum dedicated to her is located in Santarém.
• Everaldo Martins (died 1982) — Doctor and politician. Martins was a pivotal figure in the city's public life. He served twice as the mayor of Santarém and was elected as a state deputy. Being a doctor, he enjoyed immense popularity and respect among the population for his work in healthcare. A local football stadium is named after him.
• Rui Barata (1920–1990) — Poet, writer, and composer. Although born in Santarém, he spent most of his creative life in Belém. Barata is one of the most revered poets of the state of Pará. His poems and song lyrics, set to music by Paulo André Barata, have become true classics and an integral part of the Amazon's cultural heritage.
• Emir Bemerguy — Poet and writer. A well-known intellectual and cultural figure of Santarém. He is the author of lyrics for several famous songs written in collaboration with Wilson Fonseca, including the famous "Peixada na Praia" (Fish Feast on the Beach). His work is deeply connected to the daily life and traditions of the city.