Everyone knows that this year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese royal family in Rio, but how did Rio de Janeiro become what is known today? Here is a small summary of the historical events of Rio de Janeiro:

Guanabara Bay was first discovered by explorers from Portugal in January 1502, which is like the January river, translates as Rio de Janeioro, it earned its name. At that time, the Portuguese used ‘river’ for any larger body of water. Soon after, Europeans arrived from all over, and French smugglers already took advantage of the bay in 1519. The first permanent European settlement in the area, called France Antarctic, was founded in 1555 by French naval officer Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon. However, Villegaignon was forced to leave two years later after coming into conflict with the rest of the settlers.

The Portuguese knight Estacio de Sa officially founded the city in March 1565, calling it São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro 20 (San Sebastián del Río, January 20). For many years, the common name of the city was Sao Sebastiao. Founded as a base from which to conquer France in Antarctica, the French were driven out within two years. The exact site of the founding of Rio de Janeiro is at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain. As it evolved over the years, the entire city was relocated to the top of a hill, in accordance with the medieval European defensive strategy, moving the current city center in a southwesterly direction, an urban change that continues until our days.

Sugar cane was the area’s first product, with slaves from both Africa and domestic areas used for labor. As the higher quality sugar cane from the northern districts of Brazil became more popular, this industry went into decline. In 1763, the colonial administration moved to the city of Rio de Janeiro. , and it remained primarily a colonial capital until 1808, when the Portuguese royal family had to flee Napoleon’s invasion, ending up in Rio. Thereafter, the city served as the capital of the kingdom, becoming the only European capital located outside of Europe.

Prince Pedro I declared the independence of Brazil in 1822, but at that time the economic and political importance of the city was declining compared to Sao Paulo. However, it remained the capital even after the late 19th century, when the monarchy was ousted and a republic was established in its place.

Then, in the first decades of the 20th century, Copacabana Beach The natural beauty combined with the charm of the Copacabana Palace Hotel gave Rio de Janeiro the reputation it retains to this day as a world-famous beach destination.