São Luís history

Foundation and French Roots

The history of the city of São Luís begins with a unique historical precedent. It was officially founded on September 8, 1612, by a French expedition commanded by Daniel de la Touche, Lord of La Ravardière. The settlement was named Saint-Louis in honour of the reigning monarch, Louis XIII. This makes it the only state capital in the country of Brazil that was established by the French, rather than the Portuguese, as part of an ambitious project to create the colony of "Equatorial France".

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a military fort into a thriving city was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geographical Location: The city is located on Upaon-Açu Island (meaning "Big Island" in the Tupi language) at the confluence of rivers with the Atlantic Ocean. This created a natural harbour, convenient for defence and navigation.
• Political Will: Initially, the settlement served as a stronghold for French expansion, intended to disrupt the monopoly of Iberian powers in South America.
• Trade Potential: Its advantageous location closer to Europe compared to southern ports subsequently became a decisive factor for the export of cotton and rice, although at the foundation stage, the primary value was territorial control.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early stages, the life of the settlement depended on close interaction with the indigenous Tupinambá people. The French were able to form an alliance with them, which provided the colonists with food and labour. The economy of the first years was primitive and survival-oriented. Radical changes occurred after 1615, when Portugal established control over the city. It was then that planned urban development began on a rectangular grid of streets, along with the gradual formation of the unique Luso-Brazilian cultural code that attracts tourists from all over the world today.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1612 — French colonists led by Daniel de la Touche found Fort Saint-Louis in honour of King Louis XIII, marking the beginning of the city.
• 1615 — Portuguese troops commanded by Jerônimo de Albuquerque capture the settlement, expelling the French and renaming it São Luís.
• 1641 — The city falls under Dutch control during their expansion in northeastern Brazil.
• 1644 — As a result of a rebellion led by António Teixeira de Melo, the Portuguese regain control of São Luís.
• 1684 — The Beckman Revolt (Revolta de Beckman) breaks out, a major protest by local landowners and merchants against the monopoly and abuses of the trading company.
• Mid-18th - Mid-19th Century — The "Golden Age" of São Luís arrives, as the city prospers due to the massive export of cotton and rice, contributing to the formation of its rich architectural appearance.
• 1888 — The abolition of slavery in Brazil (the "Golden Law") leads to a sharp economic decline in the region's plantation economy and the end of the period of prosperity.
• Early 20th Century — The city enters a long period of economic stagnation, which, however, facilitates the preservation of its historical architectural heritage in an almost intact state.
• 1970s — The construction of the deep-water Port of Itaqui (Porto do Itaqui) gives a new impulse to the city's economic development, turning it into an important industrial and logistics hub.
• 1997 — The historic centre of São Luís is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list for its unique colonial architecture and harmonious urban planning.

The history of São Luís is a kaleidoscope of cultural and economic transformations that have shaped its unique appearance. Here are several key stages that defined the city's development:

• French Foundation (1612): The city was established by French colonists as Fort Saint-Louis de Maragnan, making it the only state capital in Brazil founded by the French. This short period laid out the initial layout and left a mark on the city's cultural identity.
• Portuguese Conquest and Dutch Occupation (1615–1644): The rapid transition to Portuguese control, followed by a brief capture by the Dutch, defined the future vector of development. It was the Portuguese who introduced the architectural style that dominates the historic centre today, including the famous azulejo tiles.
• "Golden Age" of Cotton (18th–19th Centuries): The city's economic flourishing occurred during an era when São Luís became one of the largest exporters of cotton, rice, and sugarcane. The accumulated wealth allowed for the construction of luxurious mansions, forming the architectural ensemble that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Economic Stagnation (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries): After the abolition of slavery and the drop in demand for cotton, the city's economy entered a long period of stagnation. This decline paradoxically saved the historic centre from redevelopment, preserving its authentic look for future generations.
• Industrialisation and Port Development (Second half of the 20th Century): The construction and modernisation of the Port of Itaqui transformed São Luís into one of Brazil's most important industrial and logistics hubs. Today, iron ore and other products are exported through it, forming the basis of the region's modern economy.
• Cultural Revival — "Brazilian Jamaica" (1980s): The city became the centre of reggae culture in Brazil, earning the unofficial nickname "Brazilian Jamaica". This unique cultural phenomenon attracted attention to the city and became an important part of its modern identity.
• UNESCO Recognition (1997): The inclusion of the historic centre in the UNESCO World Heritage list officially confirmed its global cultural value. This event gave a powerful boost to the development of tourism and programmes for preserving the city's unique architectural heritage.

The architectural appearance of São Luís is a living illustration of its rich history, from colonial flourishing to modern realities. The city, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has preserved a unique ensemble that harmoniously combines European traditions with adaptation to local climatic conditions. Urban development began with a clear rectangular grid of streets, laid out by the Portuguese after reclaiming the city from the French in 1615, and this layout still defines the structure of the historic centre.

Portuguese Colonial Architecture (17th–19th Centuries)

The foundation of São Luís's architectural heritage is the Portuguese colonial style, which flourished during the period of economic prosperity. It is characterised by buildings with high and narrow windows, elegant balconies with wrought or cast-iron railings, and sloping tiled roofs. The main distinguishing feature became the massive use of ceramic azulejo tiles for facade cladding. This solution was not only decorative but also practical: the tiles protected the walls from the humid tropical climate. Thanks to this, São Luís earned the nickname "The City of Tiles".

Influence of Neoclassicism (19th Century)

In the 19th century, elements of Neoclassicism began to appear in the city's architecture. This style brought greater severity of forms, symmetry, and monumentality, which was reflected in the appearance of some public buildings. A striking example is the Arthur Azevedo Theatre, which combines neoclassical features with traditional colonial elements. Other iconic structures, such as the Palace of the Lions (the seat of the state government) and the Cathedral, also demonstrate a blend of styles accumulated over centuries, from Baroque details to neoclassical restraint.

Modern Development

The economic stagnation in the early 20th century, paradoxically, helped preserve the historic centre from the radical redevelopments characteristic of many other cities. Modern urban planning is mainly concentrated outside the UNESCO-protected zone. New districts are developing in accordance with contemporary architectural trends, yet the colonial core remains the soul and main magnet for visitors to São Luís, representing one of the most integral and outstanding examples of an Iberian colonial city in Latin America.

Distinguished Figures of São Luís

São Luís, known as the "Brazilian Athens", has gifted the country with many talented writers, poets, musicians, and public figures. These individuals have made an invaluable contribution to the culture and history not only of their state but of all Brazil.

Maria Firmina dos Reis (1822–1917)

Maria Firmina dos Reis was a writer and educator born on the island of São Luís. She is considered the first female novelist in Brazil. Her novel "Úrsula" (1859) is one of the first abolitionist works in Brazilian literature, in which she humanised enslaved characters and criticised the system of slavery long before its abolition. Furthermore, she founded the first free and mixed school for boys and girls in the state of Maranhão.

Gonçalves Dias (1823–1864)

Antônio Gonçalves Dias is one of the greatest poets of Brazilian Romanticism and a key figure in the Indianist movement. Although he was born in the city of Caxias, his life and work are closely linked to São Luís. His famous poem "Song of Exile" (Canção do Exílio) is known by every Brazilian. Dias celebrated the nature of Brazil and idealised the image of the indigenous Indian, making him a national symbol. One of the central squares in São Luís is named in his honour.

Aluísio Azevedo (1857–1913)

Aluísio Azevedo, born in São Luís, was a writer, caricaturist, and diplomat who became the pioneer of Naturalism in Brazilian literature. His novel "The Mulatto" (O Mulato, 1881) caused a sensation as it openly condemned racial prejudices in the society of that time. Another of his famous works, "The Slum" (O Cortiço), realistically depicts the life of tenement residents in Rio de Janeiro and is considered a classic of Brazilian literature.

Arthur Azevedo (1855–1908)

Arthur Azevedo, the older brother of Aluísio Azevedo, was a distinguished playwright, poet, and journalist, also originally from São Luís. He is considered one of the creators of Brazilian musical theatre and the comedy of manners. Throughout his life, he wrote over a hundred plays, many of which enjoyed immense popularity and laid the foundations for national theatrical art. The city's main theatre — the Arthur Azevedo Theatre — is named in his honour.

Josué Montello (1917–2006)

Josué Montello was a prolific writer, journalist, and professor born and raised in São Luís. His work is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Maranhão. One of his most famous novels, "The Drums of São Luís" (Os Tambores de São Luís), is an epic saga spanning several generations and touching upon themes of slavery and social struggle in the city. Montello was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.

Ferreira Gullar (1930–2016)

Ferreira Gullar (pseudonym of José Ribamar Ferreira) was one of the most important Brazilian poets and art critics of the 20th century, born in São Luís. He was one of the founders of the Neoconcrete movement, which revolutionised Brazilian art. His "Dirty Poem" (Poema Sujo), written in exile, is a landmark work reflecting the pain of separation from his homeland and the political realities of that time. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Camões Prize.

Alcione (born 1947)

Alcione Nazareth, known as "Marrom" (The Brown One), is a famous singer and composer, one of the brightest stars of samba, born in São Luís. Over her long career, she has released dozens of albums, received numerous gold and platinum records, and won the love of audiences across Brazil and beyond. Her powerful voice and unique style have made her an icon of Brazilian music, and a viaduct in her hometown is named in her honour.