A personal selection of photographs with their stories.
358: Praça da Estação
Praça Rui Barbosa, as it is named offically (after the Bahian politician), is one of the principal locations in Belo Horizonte. The cornerstone of this square was laid in 1894, even before the inauguration of the new capital of Minas Gerais. Ten years later, the square was urbanized, surrounded by English-style gardens. The neoclassic building of the railway station was inaugurated in 1922, and now hosts the Museu de Artes e Ofícios (Arts and Crafts Museum). Centrally located in this square is the monument of the Mineiro Civilization. Early 2000’s, the square became revitalized with new pavement, illumination and two large fountain blocks. The square hosts various festivals and cultural events, including the Arraial de Belô, a folkloric dance event held in June.
A personal selection of photographs with their stories.
330: Wooden Bridge
The first city and capital of Minas Gerais is located at a little more than a hundred km from Belo Horizonte. Initially, the village was named Alberquerque, not much later renamed into Ribeirão do Carmo. In 1745, the Portuguese king decided to name the city after his wife, Mary of Austria: Mariana. It was capital of Minas Gerais for only nine years, when in 1720, neighboring Vila Rica (now Ouro Preto) became the new capital. Mariana has a cozy historic center, located on many hills. There are a number of churches that contain works of the famous baroque sculptor Aleijadinho. Near the railway station, you can find this wooden bridge, which is shared by cars and pedestrians.
A personal selection of photographs with their stories.
205. Water mirror
OCTOBER 2009: Water mirror
Bosque dos Buritis is the oldest park in Goiania, capital of the state of Goiás. The thirteen-hectare park was included in the original city plan; the city was inaugurated in 1938. Over the years the park has undergone several changes over the detriment of the original vegetation, which now accounts for only ten percent of the total vegetation. In the park you can walk the Cooper Test, encounter various parrots, and enjoy the reflections on the surface of the existing ponds. These ponds are connected to each other via small waterfalls. The dense vegetation creates special water effects, as seen in the photo.
Brasília became the realization of various dreams. A dream of having the capital of Brazil in the center of the country. A dream by an Italian saint, who saw a city in the country of milk and honey. It was president Kubitschek who pushed the construction of Brasília. The architects Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer realized their city of dreams. Since April 21, 1960, Brasília is the capital of Brazil. Less than thirty years later, in 1987, the city was added to the World Heritage List for its outstanding architecture. Brasília is one of the host cities during the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
Brasília
Brasília is the capital of Brazil, and is located within Distrito Federal, the Federal District. This district was formed by parts of the states of Goiás (the major part) and Minas Gerais, and is located in the Planalto Central, the Central Plateau. The District counts 5802 square km, the average height is 1172 meters. Since the Federal District cannot be divided into more than one city (Brasília), Brasília and the 18 satellite cities are considered as Administrative Regions. Designed for about one million inhabitants, the capital has already grown over 2.6 million in 2011 (IBGE). The Human Development Index is elevated: 0.844.
History
“Between 15 and 20 degrees latitude lay a very broad and very lengthy body of water that had its origins from the end of a lake. Then a voice kept repeating to me, ‘When the mines hidden in the midst of these mountains will eventually be dug out, here will appear the promised land flowing with milk and honey. Its wealth will defy belief!” (BM XVI, 309).
The citation above is the English translation of a dream of Dom Bosco, an Italian saint. He had this dream in 1883, and described a capital that would rule justly and provide all the needs of a great nation. He also clarified the location, between the 15th and 20th parallels, in the New World. Dom Bosco’s vision became a major inspiration for the foundation of Brasília. In his honor, the Sanctuary of Dom Bosco was constructed right on the 15th parallel. Dom Bosco is the patron saint of Brasília.
The idea of constructing the Brazilian capital in the center of the immense country is much older. In 1761, it was the Portuguese prime minister Marquês de Pombal, who suggested to move the capital of the Portuguese colony more westward . Soon after the independence of Brazil (1822), in 1823, José Bonifácio (one of the driving forces behind the declaration of independence) became the first person to refer the future capital as ‘Brasília’.
Soon after the transition from monarchy to republic in 1889, the First Brazilian Constitution (1891) already contained a paragraph that the future capital should be moved from Rio de Janeiro to the center of Brazil. In that year, a group of scientists, led by astronomer Luís Cruls, started to investigate the Central Plateau (Planalto Central). The location became known as the ‘Quadrilátero Cruls’, and was given the name ‘Vera Cruz’ in 1894.
Fundamental stone in Planaltina
The first attempt to construct the new capital dates back from 1922, exactly one century after the Brazilian independence. On September 7, the fundamental stone was laid in the ‘Morro do Centenário’, at the Serra da Independência, that is located about nine kilometers from Planaltina.
In 1954, president Café Filho nominated a marshal – José Pessoa Cavalcanti – to lead a commission for the construction of the new capital. The next step of the president was to choose the location of the new capital and to create the Distrito Federal (Federal District). The idea was to name the new city ‘Vera Cruz’, as a reference of the Cross of Christ, and to the very first name of Brazil, given by the Portuguese discoverers. The main avenues should bear names that refer to Brazilian traditions and history.
Construction of Congresso Nacional
Following a conflict with President Juscelino Kubitschek, marshal Jóse Pessoa resigned and was succeeded by colonel Ernesto Silva. Soon after his installation as President, Kubitschek started the realization of the construction of the capital. The street pattern. was realized by Novacap, after a draft design by architect Lúcio Costa, who had won the national contest. The principal buildings were designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer.
On April 21, 1960, at 9 am, President Kubitschek solemnly closed the gates of the Palácio do Catete in Rio de Janeiro, which was the government seat at that time. The transfer of the capital to Brasília was done on the same day on which Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, was executed in 1792. He is better known as Tiradentes, the leader of the Inconfidência Mineira (Conspiracy of Minas Gerais), and is considered as the precursor of the Brazilian independence. According to some sources, the city of Rome was also founded on April 21, in 753 BC.
Inauguration of Brasília
Kubitschek had accelerated the construction of Brasília by quoting the French philoshoper Joubert:
“Não devemos cortar o nó que podemos desatar” “Never cut what you can untie.”
Indeed, the new capital was constructed in a record time of only a few years, but it took many more years to transfer the governmental infrastructure from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília. Most of the transfer happened in the seventies of the past century. Even now, there are many governmental departments that still reside in Rio de Janeiro.
In 1987, the city of Brasília was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Brasília has become a city where residential and administrative districts (it appears like a cross, or a bird in flight) that is in harmony with the city’s overall design. In particular, the office buildings are innovative and imaginative (UNESCO).
Commemorative coin – 50 years Brasília
Economic activity
As the seat of the federal government and as a World Heritage Site, it is no surprise that the major economic activities are concentrated on administrative services and tourism. Many headquarters of Brazilian banks, media companies, and information technology companies are located in the capital. A small share of the economic activity is obtained from local industries and agricultural activities within the Federal District.
“There are a number of initiatives under way in Brasília, such as the digital park and science and technology cluster we are launching”
Agnelo Queiroz, Governor of the Federal District
Congresso Nacional
What to see
For rotational, full-screen views of the locations, click on the orange links (a new tab will open)
Despite its young age, there are many touristic locations of interest in the capital. The political heart of Brazil is around the Praça dos Três Poderes (Square of the Three Powers). Palácio do Planalto is the seat of the executive power in Brazil. Designed my Oscar Niemeyer, the building is an example of simplicity and modernity, by using the fine lines and waves in the composition of the columns and exterior structures. ‘Leves como penas pousando no chão‘ (Light as feathers touching the floor), according to Niemeyer. A wide ramp directly leads to the ‘Salão Nobre’ where official guests are received.
Palácio do Planalto
The President, however, does not reside in this palace, but in Palácio da Alvorada. This palace, designed by Niemeyer is located on a peninsula at the margins of Paranoá Lake. It consists of three floors. The main entrance contains a quote of president Kubitschek:
“From this central plateau, this vast loneliness that will soon become the center of national decisions, I look once more at the future of my country and foresee this dawn with an unshakeable faith in its great destiny”
The legislative power is resided in the Congresso Nacional. Two skyscrapers are flanked by two semi-hemispheres. The top half of the sphere is the location of the Senate; the bottom half houses the Chamber of Deputies (Virtual tour). The third of the three powers, the judiciary power, is concentrated in the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF; Supreme Federal Court). The building is designed by Niemeyer, and is supported by lateral columns. The building appears to be slightly lifted from the ground. In front is a statue of ‘Justiça’ by Alfredo Ceschiatti. The Eixo Monumental (Monumental Axis) is the widest avenue, that runs from Congresso Nacional. Its first section is called Esplanada dos Ministérios (Esplanade of Ministries), where a number of federal ministries is concentrated. Along this wide avenue, more monuments are located:
The most striking building is without doubt the Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Cathedral of Brasília). The cathedral is a concrete-framed hyperboloid structure, that seems open, with the glass roof reaching upward. Inside the cathedral, three angels are attached by steel cables; outside, statues of the four evangelists (Luke, John, Matthew, and Mark) are positioned in front. The statues of angels and evangelists are creations of Alfredo Ceschiatti. The Complexo Cultural da República (Cultural Complex of the Republic) consists of the rectangular-shaped Biblioteca Nacional de Brasília (National Library of Brasília) and the dome-shaped Museu Nacional da República (National Museum of the Republic), also designed by Niemeyer. The library hosts more than 300 thousand items, while the museum is mainly used for temporary exhibitions.
Palácio do Itamaraty
The Ministry of External Affairs is located in the Palácio do Itamaraty, also known as Palácio dos Arcos for its arc-like structure. The complex of three units was ready in 1970. It is designed by Niemeyer, while Robert Burle Marx was responsible for the landscape architecture. At the opposite side, the Ministry of Justice is located in the Palácio da Justiça. The facade of the building is supported by large columns, and flanked by a water mirror and artificial waterfalls.
Brazil’s National Memorial is called Panteão da PátriaTancredo Neves. The shape of the memorial reminds of a dove. It is created as a homage to the heroes of Brazil, who battled for freedom and democracy. Memorial JK
There is also a Memorial for the founding father of Brasília: Juscelino Kubitschek, also known for his initials: Memorial JK. The memorial is located on Praça do Cruzeiro, one of the highest locations in the capital. Next to the tomb is a statue of 28 meters high, with the populair president on top of a pole. The crypt contains a quote of Kubitschek:
“Tudo se transforma em alvorada nesta cidade que se abre para o amanhã” “Everything in this capital is transformed to dawn that opens tomorrow”
Another high landmark is the 224 meter high television tower (1967): Torre do TV, another design by Niemeyer.
The Pavilhão Nacionalis the location at the Praça dos Três Poderes where a huge flag mast is erected. This mast is composed of 24 rods, each for every Brazilian state, at the time of its inauguration.
Brasília is not only a center of political power, but also a center of many religions. The above-mentioned Cathedral is the most obvious religious site in the capital. For the patron saint of Brasília, Dom Bosco, is a sanctuary: Santuário Dom Bosco. The sanctuary is surrounded by arcs of sixteen meters high, thereby supporting the immense blue-stained glass windows. The various bluish tones provide the idea of a sky full of stars. The iron-and-bronze gates contain reliefs telling the life of Dom Bosco.
Sanctuário Dom Bosco
There is also a pyramid in Brasília. A Pyramid with seven sides, the seven faces of God. It is the Temple of Good Will, the Templo da Legião da Boa Vontade. Inside this temple, covered in marble, there is a spiral figure in the stone floor, leading to an elevation with a crystal of 21 kilograms, that must provide positive energy to the worshipers. There is also a Buddhist temple in the capital, the Templo Budista de Brasília, also called Templo Budista da Terra Pura. This temple is a copy of the Fukui temple in Japan, which is somewhat in contrast with the modern image of the capital. The interior is gold-decorated and hosts a large statue of Buddha. Visitors can meditate and also participate in various aspects of the Japanese culture like ikebana and martial arts.
In addition, Brasília also hosts a mosque, the largest in Southern America. The Mesquita do Centro Islâmico do Brasil. Spiritists have there own center, the Comunhão Espírita. Freemasons have their Grande Loja Maçônica do Distrito Federal. More religions have their buildings in the capital: the IURD: Catedral da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus; the Igreja Messiânica Mundial; the Seicho-No-Iê; the Seventh Day Adventists: Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia; Order of the Rosary: Templo da Ordem Rosa-Cruz.
Ponte JK
Niemeyer designed a kind of memorial (1992) for his colleague and friend Lúcio Costa: Espaço Lúcio Costa. It contains the scale model of 170 square meters of the draft design of Brasília. The Teatro Nacional (National Theater) contains a foyer that is named after one of the greatest Brazilian composers: Foyer da Sala Villa-Lobos, which has a glass roof. Another architectural highlight is the Ponte JK, named after president Kubitschek. This bridge of 1200 meters, spanning the Lago Paranoá and thereby connecting Plano Piloto with Lago Sul, has three arcs that are positioned in such a way as a stone would touch and bounce from the water surface three times.
Commemorative coin – Goiás Velho
From Modern Brasília, it is only a small step to visit historical cities in the neighborhood of the capital. Planaltina (1790) is located in Distrito Federal and has the fundamental stone of Brasília, at the Morro do Centenário. Other historical cities are located in the state of Goiás. Pirenópolis(1727) is located about 150 km from the capital and has buildings of the colonial era. The former capital of the state of Goiás (340 km from Brasília) is Goiás Velho (1727), the city of Brazilian poet Cora Coralina has a well conserved historic center, and is added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. At 120 km,Cristalina (1592) is the city of crystals and gemstones. At 159 km, Corumbá de Goiás (1730) is famous for its waterfall: Salto de Corumbá. At 70 is the city of Luziânia (1870), also known for a number of beautiful waterfalls. Formosa, about 80 km from Brasília, is known for natural beauty and the 168 meter high Salto de Itiquira, one of the highest in Southern America. At 300 km, Caldas Novas is really worth visiting. The city is considered to be the largest hydro-thermal resort in the world. Neighboring Rio Quente (1722), 18 km from Caldas Novas, is also known as a hydro-thermal resort.
Salvador, originally named as São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, was the first capital of Brazil, from its foundation in 1549 until 1763. Salvador is called ‘The City of Happiness’, famous for the large-scale (carnival) festivities within its borders. Salvador is notable for its music and cuisine, representing a blend of European and African influences. The major landmark of Salvador is the Lacerda Elevator, connecting the lower and higher parts of the city. The historic center, known as Pelourinho, is a World Heritage site since 1985. Salvador is one of the host cities during the World Cup Soccer in 2014.
Salvador
Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia. Bahia is surrounded by eight Brazilian states: clockwise: Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Tocantins, Piauí, Pernambuco, Alagoas, and Sergipe. Salvador counts almost 2.7 million inhabitants (Censo IBGE, 2010), and therefore is the third largest city of Brazil. Greater Salvador counts more than 3.5 million people. The coastal city is located at an altitude of 8 meter, the city area is a little more than 700 square km. The Human Development Index is 0.805, one of the higher values in the northeastern region.
History
On November 1, 1501, a Portuguese expedition, arrived in Bahia de Todos os Santos, the All Saints’ Bay. The area became inhabited in 1510, with survivors of a ship wreckage with a French vessel. One of the survivors was the Portuguese Diogo Álvares Correia, nicknamed Caramuru by the tupinambá indians. The indians wanted to devour him, but he demonstrated his powers by killing a bird with his gun. Caramuru lived with the indians, married an indian, and became of significant importance in the first contacts of the Portuguese with the indians. The strategic location of Bahia de Todos os Santos inspired the Portuguese king to construct a city there. The king appointed Tomé de Sousa as governor-general of the Brazilian colony. Caramura was appointed to use his knowledge of the location and the indians to facilitate the creation of the new city. Tomé and Caramuru arrived on March 29, 1549, the official date of the foundation of the city of Salvador. From that day, Salvador became the capital of colonial Brazil.
One year later, the first African slaves arrived; thanks to their labor, the city prospered, as the principal commercial center, and as the main port for export and of cane sugar, cotton, tobacco, and cattle. The richness attracted many foreigners, who wanted to conquer the city. The Dutch managed to invade Salvador, in May 1624, and occupied the city of eleven months. In 1638, under the command of Maurício de Nassau, the Dutch tried to invade again, but did not succeed this time.
Interior of Igreja São Francisco
On August 12, 1798, Salvador awoke with the first rumors of the so-called Revolta dos Alfaiates. The revolutionaries wanted to abolish slavery, to create the Republic of Bahia, to lower the taxes, to liberate trade, and to raise the soldiers’ salaries. Repression of this revolt resulted in a large-scale persecution and the hanging of four leaders: their heads were exhibited at strategic locations in the center.
In 1808, Salvador was chosen to host the Portuguese royal family, who left Portugal when Napoleon was advancing their nation. The crown prince opened the Brazilian ports, including Salvador, for befriended nations, and opened the first medical school in Brazil.
Ribbons from Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
On September 7, 1822, Brazil declared itself independent, but Portuguese troops continued to occupy Bahia and Salvador, until July 2, 1823. On this day started the complete independence of Brazil. On August 12, 1835, during the Ramadan, slaves and freedmen, inspired by Muslim teachers, tried to liberate one of their leaders. The rebels suffered tough resistance from the Brazilian army, their attempt failed. Despite this failure, the so-called Revolta dos Malés became a turning point in Brazilian history, concerning slavery.
A dispute between two political rivals escalated into an armed conflict. When one of the rivals, Aurélio Viana took office as governor, he decreed to move the capital from Salvador to Jequié. He was ordered to revoke this decision, but he replied with the occupation of strategic points in Salvador. On January 10, 1912, the center of Salvador was bombed, thereby destroying the Governor’s Palace, and the Public Library. The complete historic collection was lost forever. In 1985, the historic center was added to the World Heritage List of the UNESCO. Salvador is one of the twelve cities that will host matches during the World Cup Soccer in 2014.
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Economic activity
Already in the colonial era, Salvador was one of the most important locations because of its status as capital of colonial Brazil, until the capital was transferred to Rio de Janeiro in 1763. The city, with its port facilities, served as an essential link to the Portuguese empire, maintaining commercial ties to the motherland and the colonies in Africa. At present, Salvador is the second most visited tourist location in Brazil, after Rio de Janeiro. Tourists find a unique combination of history, architecture, beaches, and various cultural events in Salvador. Besides tourism, services, car industries, and (petro-)chemical industries contribute in great part to the prosperity of the capital of Bahia.
What to see
The historical center of Salvador, also known as ‘Pelourinho’, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Pelourinho is located in ‘Cidade Alta’, the higher part of the center, constructed along the ridge parallel to the Atlantic coast. The ridge served as a natural barrier against Spanish and Dutch attacks in the 16th and 17th century. The center constructed around Pelourinho is based upon a 16th century urban plan. There exists a well-accepted joke that Salvador hosts at least one church for every day; indeed, the city counts hundreds of churches. The most popular church is not situated in Pelourinho: Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. In Pelourinho, tourists may receive colorful ribbons with the blessings from this church.
Cruz Caída, marking the site of the demolished
Igreja da Sé
Pelourinho hosts a considerable number of churches of various architectural styles: Flanking the Terreiro de Jesus, are three churches in rococo style: Catedral Basílica, Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Domingos, andIgreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos. The two bright towers of Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, in rococo style and constructed by the black (slave) population, apeear on almost every Pelourinho postcard. One of the most impressive churches in Brazil is the Igreja de São Francisco, with the ornaments covered with gold leaf. Another important church, along the ridge, was the Igreja da Sé. This church was demolished in 1933, to make space for the construction of a tram terminal. At present, a monument remembers this lost church: ‘cruz caída’, the fallen cross. Next to the fallen cross is the Palácio Arquiépiscopal, the palace of the archbishop. Following the ridge, another palace is visible: Palácio Rio Branco. This bright building in eclectic style was the former seat of the government of Bahia. Not ot be missed is the Lacerda Elevator. This 72 m high elevator, connects the higher and the lower part of the center. At the basis of this impressive elevator, one may visit the Mercado Modelo. This market is famous for artesanato: handicraft from the region. Below the indoor market, the slave cellars may be visited, to obtain a certain impression of the miserable circumstances of slaves arriving in Brazil.
Next to Mercado Modelo, one may board ferry heading for the Island of Itaparica. This island is situated in the Baia de Todos os Santos, the All Saints’ Bay. Itaparica is known for its beaches and delicious dishes with fish and seafood. South of Pelourinho, is another landmark of Salvador: the Farol da Barra: de Barra Light tower. The black and white tower is situated on a peninsula and flanked by two popular beaches: Farol de Barra, and the more serene Porto da Barra.
Salvador is world famous for its beaches. When heading north, beaches of Jardim de Allah, Itapuã, Boa Viagem, and Stella Maris are very popular. More distant is Praia do Forte, with a turtle monitoring station of Projeto Tamar. South of Salvador, one may travel to the city of Ilhéus and further down to tiny Olivença, for more beautiful beaches.
Salvador is also Carnaval. As one of the four major cities of carnival in Brazil (other cities are Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Recife), Salvador may host millions of visitors to enjoy tropical sounds of axé, or vibrate with trios elétricos. More traditional are the afoxé rhythms of Filhos de Gandhy, and the drum beats of Olodum, or Didá, its female counterpart. The latter percussion groups regularly parade through the center of Salvador, in Pelourinho. Many Brazilian musicians are born in Salvador: Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso (Santo Amaro), both representing Brazilian popular music, are among the most popular.
Curitiba is a highly developed city in the south of Brazil. Its strategic location between the cities of Porto Alegre, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, and the border with neighboring country Paraguay ignited a significant influx of migrants to Curitiba. At present, about one half of the city population was not born in the Curitiba. Many touristic highlights in Curitiba refer to the countries of origin of the migrants. Curitiba is one of the World Cup host cities in 2014.
Curitiba
The city of Curitiba is the capital of the state of Paraná. The state of Praná is surrounded by the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, and the neighboring countries Argentina and Paraguay. Foz do Iguaçu, widely known for its beautiful waterfalls, is located in the tripoint of Brazil and the mentioned countries. The state of Paraná counts almost 200 thousand square km, twice the size of Portugal. The number of inhabitants is almost equal to that of Portugal: a little more than ten million. About one-third lives in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, more than 1.7 million reside within the city limits of Curitiba. In 1996 the Habitat II conference of the UN praised Curitiba as the “most innovative city in the world“.
History
The name of Curitiba refers to the presence of the typical pine trees. In Guarani language, ‘kur yt yba’ means ‘presence of many pine trees‘. The pine tree mainly found in Paraná is the Araucaria angustifolia, the Paraná or Brazilian pine, an evergreen pine tree that may reach 40 meters. A bird tightly associated with the pine trees is the gralha azul, the blue jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus). The now state symbol of Paraná appears in a local legend that the bird buries the pine seeds in the soil, where later new trees will grow.
The characteristic pine tree
The settlement already was named on a map, that dates back to 1654. In 1668, a pelourinho (a pole at which slaves were punished) was erected, being a symbol of the recognition of a settlement. Officially, the city of Curitiba was founded on March 29, 1693, when captain Martins Martins Leme organized local elections for the newly-founded village bearing the name Vila de Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais, later renamed into Curitiba. At that time bandeirantes (initiallly hunters of indian slaves, later pioneers) passed this location on their journeys in the search for fresh slaves, and later for gold mines. The name of Curitiba appeared in 1721, when magistrate Raphael Pires Pardinho arrived in the village, and paid attention to environmental issues in the city. This tradition is maintained and now provides the capital with a worldwide reputation of its environmental matters. One of the altars of the first church in
Curitiba
Because of the location distant from São Paulo, Curitiba had been neglected for a long time and became impoverished. Starting from 1812, the city flourished again with the arrival of the so-called tropeiros, who accompanied large herds of cattle on their ways between the southern region and the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The state of Paraná became separated from the powerful state of São Paulo in 1843, and Curtiba became its capital. Curitiba even became capital of Brazil for four days, between March 24 and 27, 1969, during the government of general Da Costa e Silva. The short transfer was a gesture to the loyalty of the city to the military dictatorship.
Curitiba – Capital of Brazil for 4 days (1969)
Economic activity
Curitiba has managed to control economic and urban expansion during the second half of the past decade. Only non-polluting industries were permitted inside its city limits and created a large industrial area that was integrated with significant green areas. At present, two-thirds of the economic activity is derived from services, and one-third from industrial activities. Curitiba hosts a number of multinationals, including car manufacturers and electronic industries. The city also has good facilities for information technology, and boasts to have a good infrastructure, with extensive and fast bus services. Therefore, the city attracts many investors from Brazil and abroad. About four percent of the economic activity comes from tourism: about two million tourists visit Curitiba annually. Curitiba is one of the host cities during the Word Cup Soccer in 2014.
Copy of the London Chrystal Palace in the
Botanical Garden
What to see
Despite its relatively cold climate, Curitiba is worth visting. The city hosts various tourist information points, where one may obtain elaborate information about touristic activities in Curitiba. At day, a special tourist bus with large windows follows a 40 km long track throughout the city, with stops at 25 touristic locations. Tickets may be obtained at the tourist services. A day pass includes three tickets that may be used at different stops. One of the landmarks of Curitiba is the Botanical Garden, with a copy of London Chrystal Palace. Many touristic locations refer to various groups of migrants: The Ukrainian Monument, located in the Tinguï Park, with a copy of a wooden orthodox church, with an interesting collection of pêssankas (typical, decorated eggs); Bosque Alemão (German Woods) with replicas of a German church and the façade of a historic German house; Bosque do Papa, referring to Polish migrants; Bosque de Portugal, referring to Portuguese migrants; the Arab Monument, and the Mosque Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib in the center; Fonte do Jerusalém, erected to honor Jerusalem’s 3000 years; Bosque Italiana, where one may find Italian ingredients and food and may enjoy shows.
The tourist bus also will stop at the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, at Barigüi Park where is also a automobile museum, the larger Tanguá Park with a colorful landscape and a waterfall, the Wire Theater (Ópera de Arame), the Paiol Theater, a former gunpowder storage facility. A panoramic tower offers a splendid view of Curitiba.
Ópera de Arame – Wire Theater
Also the center hosts an interesting number of tourist locations. The historic center exhibits the churches Catedral Basílica Menor, and Igreja da Ordem with the Museum of Religious Art, the Curitiba Cultural Center with temporary and permanent exhibitions, the Paraná museum, telling the interesting history of the state. On Sundays, the entire historic center is filled with stands full of handicrafts.
Church annex museum of religious art in the
historic center
One of the major touristic locations outside Curitiba is Ilha do Mel, at less than 100 km. This coastal island may be reached by ferries, and exhibits a wide range of (eco)touristic facilities. More distant is the border with Paraguay and Argentina, where the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu (Puerto Iguazu in Spanish) are located. It is worth visiting the Brazilian as well as the Argentinean borders of the park. In Foz do Iguaçu one may consider to visit the immense hydro-electric power plant Itaipu, located at the border between Brazil and Paraguay. At the other side of Foz do Iguaçu is the Paraguayan border city Ciudad del Este, known for its extensive micro-electronics trades in small shops and stands thoughout the center.
►More information about Foz do Iguaçu.
Porto Alegre is the southernmost capital in Brazil. The city was founded by families from the Azores, and with time many migrants arrived from Germany, Italy, and later from England, Spain, The Lebanon, Africa. The cultural diversity is reflected by many festivals that occur in the city. Porto Alegre is also one of the major Brazilian carnival cities. The city is one of the greenest in Brazil, and has a very high living standard.
Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre (nicknamed Poa) is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, located in the southern region of Brazil. The state shares borders with Santa Catarina and the neighboring countries Argentina and Uruguay. The metropolitan region counts almost four million inhabitants, while the city itself hosts a little more than 1.4 million people (IBGE, 2010). Porto Alegre – located at more than 2000 km from the capital of Brazil, Brasília – is situated at an average altitude of 10 meters, within an area of 497 square kilometers. The human development index of Porto Alegre is 0,865, the highest of Brazilian cities with more than one million inhabitants, and the ninth highest among all Brazilian cities (UN, 2003).
Porto Alegre in 1772
History
The region of Porto Alegre was inhabited by a number of guarani indian tribes. The Treaty of Tordesilhas (1494) divided the Southern American continent in a Spanish and a Portuguese zone; the region of Rio Grande do Sul was then situated in the Spanish zone. The first settlers were Spanish and were concentrated around the so-called Missões (missions). The Iberian Union of Spain and Portugal between 1580 and 1640 the zones were less strict, allowing Portuguese to the region of Porto Alegre when Portugal became independent again in 1640. In 1680, Portuguese founded Colônia do Sacramento, now Colônia in Uruguay. The route to that city along the coastline of Rio Grande do Sul quickly was claimed by the Portuguese. In 1732, Manoel Gonçalves Ribeiro received an area (seismaria) that was called Campos de Viamão, and constructed a settlement. Other landowners arrived in the region; one of them, Jerônimo de Ornellas, gained one of the most important locations: Sant’Anna, on the rock bearing the same name, for his cattle and his farm. 1742, a Royal Decree allowed Azorians to migrate to the south of Brazil, initially in the neighboring capitania of Santa Catarina. Two years later, Jerônimo received formal confirmation of his land claim, and he intensified his cattle business. In 1750, about sixty Azorian families were sent from Santa Catarina to Viamão. Due to the lack of water wells, the families (casais) moved to the the Port region, who was named Porto dos Casais. One year later, more Azorian families arrived, together with militiamen for their protection. Soon a little village was constructed. When the village of Rio Grande was conquered by Spanish troops in 1763, Viamão became the new capital of the capitania. Many inhabitants from Rio Grande fled to Porto dos Casais; the settlement was elevated to a freguesia (district) on March 26, 1772, the founding date of Porto Alegre. It was then called Freguesia de São Francisco do Porto dos Casais. Less than one year later, it was renamed in Nossa Senhora da Madre de Deus de Porto Alegre. In 1773, Porto Alegre became the new capital of Rio Grande do Sul.
On December 11, 1810, the freguesia was elevated to the status of a vila. One year later, on December 16, 1812, Porto Alegre formally became the seat of the capitania of São Pedro do Rio Grande. On November 14, 1822, Porto Alegre gained the status of a city. The economic situation worsened, igniting the Farroupilha Revolution in 1835. From September 25 to June 15, 1836, the Revolutionaries controlled Porto Alegre. Despite the ongoing attacks by the Farroupilhas, the city remained loyal to the imperial government, and therefore gained the title ‘Mui Leal e Valerosa Cidade de Porto Alegre’. (very loyal and valuable city of Porto Alegre). Since 1845, migrants from Europe – Italians and Germans – arrived and started their local businesses. During the Paraguayan War (1865-1870), Porto Alegre was benefited with government money; the infrastructure became improved and modernized, the Mercado Público was constructed, and tramlines started their services. At the time of the Brazilian independence, the city hosted about 22 thousand inhabitants, their number was increased to roughly 70 thousand at the turn of the 20th century. The city gained a sewage system, hospitals, and certain faculties. In 1901, the imposant Palácio Municipal was constructed.
Porto Alegre became an important city with commercial facilities. Between 1909 and 1928, Porto Alegre borrowed a large sum of money for the construction of a large number of housings and little castles for the new government employees. Most of these constructions are examples of the eclectic architecture. More migrants arrived, not only from Italy and Germany, but also from England, France, Spain, The Lebanon, Africa, and Jews. The ties with Germany were tight, especially when president Vargas had fascist sympathies. At that time, it was not common that battalions of young men were marching with banners bearing the swastika symbol. They disappeared when Brazil declared war to Germany and Italy. At present, Porto Alegre is a modern city with a very high living standard.
Economic activity
Since the arrival of the first settlers, agricultural activity was dominated by growing cattle. The strategic position of Porto Alegre with its port facilities made the city an important commercial center. Principal agricultural products are rice, corn, beef, and milk. The industrial sector now is losing its share to the commercial sector. Commerce and services are very strong in Porto Alegre: the good quality of the infrastructure, technological knowledge and skilled employees attract companies to the city. Tourism is emerging in Porto Alegre, while the city council plans to create a technological center in the city.
The city offers the possibility to make use of a tourist bus. For a fee of 15 reais (6 euro, 2011) one may enter a double deck bus, with an open upper deck. The length of the entire track through the historical centeris 28 km, the bus ride may take about 80 minutes. Some tourist locations on this track are:Parque Farroupilhaor Rendenção is the popular city park, with dozens of monuments, a small zoo and a botanical garden; Parque Moinhos do Vento (windmills) or Parcão, with a replica of a windmill; Praça Matriz, heart and political center of Porto Alegre, with the Catedral Metropolitana; Praça da Alfândega, with three interesting museums, and Casa de Cultura Mário Quintana; Prefeitura Municipal, in neoclassical style;Mercado Público Central, the large central market; Usina do Gasómetro, an antique therm-electric power station; Anfiteatro Por-do-Sol, an open-air theater along the Lago Guaíba; and the two stadiums of the soccer clubs Internacional and Grêmio.
Another route with a tourist bus runs through Zona Sul, the southern region. This 41 km long track will take about 90 minutes, and also will cost 15 reais (2011). Some touristic locations along this route are: Caminho dos Antiquários, an antique market; Orla Lago Guaíba, the beach of the freshwater lake, with an excellent opportunity of a beautiful sunset; Parque Harmonia, with various aspects of the regional culture; Morro do Osso, a 140 m high hill with an overview of the city; Ipanema Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the city; Santãrio Mãe de Deus, with a 360 degrees overview of Porto Alegre.
The Department of Tourism of Rio Grande do Sul provides the possibility to contract a certified guide. There are guides in various cities, and eight different foreign languages are offered, including even Russian and Mandarin Chinese. The state of Rio Grande do Sul has many touristic possibilities. At the border with the state of Santa Catarina, there is the National Park Aparados da Serra, 190 km north of Porto Alegre, with deep canyons. The deepest canyon measures more than 720 m. Also at the border with Santa Catarina, in the municipality of Torres, are the state parks of Guarita and Itapeva, flanked by beaches with the same name. In Canela, about 120 km north of Porto Alegre, is the state park of Caracol, with the famous Caracol Waterfal. More national and state parks, and trekking routes are listed on the site of Department of Tourism. Rio Grande do Sul also has many beautiful beaches. For an impression of the beaches in the southern part (Litoral Sul), see this page with downloadable videos. Beaches of Litoral Norte (northern region) are listed on this page. About 200 km northwest of Porto Alegre is the famous touristic wine region of Uva e Vinho(Grape and Wine). A combination of nature, culture and gastronomy. Tourists locations and routes in other regions in Rio Grande do Sul are listed on this page.
