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History, Culture and Architecture of São Luís do Maranhão

São Luís do Maranhão is a city with a rich and vibrant history, a unique culture and impressive architecture that reflects its colonial heritage.

Founded by the French, occupied by the Dutch and colonised by the Portuguese, São Luís is a mosaic of cultural and architectural influences.

São Luís do Maranhão is the only Brazilian capital to have been founded by the French and then colonised by the Dutch and Portuguese.

Around 2,500 buildings are listed as historical heritage sites in the state, and 1,000 by IPHAN.

Part of this site was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997 for its Portuguese colonial architecture adapted to the local climate.

The main architectural feature of the historic centre is its concern for the hot and humid climate.

Among the solutions was the use of tiles to waterproof the rammed earth façades. The floor plans are ‘L’ or ‘U’ shaped, with large roofs and shutters.

The architectural buildings are sobrados, single-storey houses and manor houses.

The sobrados have up to four floors, with the ground floor being a commercial shop and the other floors residences.

The manor houses, sumptuous sobrados, have many refined details, and the single-storey houses, finally, can be categorised in various ways (e.g. full dwelling: door with two windows on each side; half dwelling: side door and two windows).

Strolling through the Historic Centre of São Luís, the largest open-air museum in the world, you’ll discover a little of the island’s centuries-old history, palaces, squares, mansions, townhouses, churches, chapels, convents, fountains, museums, theatres and monuments that house the living memory of the people of Ludovico.

São Luís do Maranhão

1. History

1. Foundation and Colonisation
  • French Founding: São Luís was founded in 1612 by the French under the command of Daniel de La Touche, Lord of La Ravardière. They built the Fort of Saint Louis, in honour of King Louis XIII of France.
  • Dutch Occupation: In 1641, the city was occupied by the Dutch, who stayed until 1644.
  • Portuguese Colonisation: From 1645, the Portuguese reconquered the city and began a period of colonisation that shaped the local culture and architecture.
2. Colonial economy
  • Cotton Cycle: In the 18th century, São Luís’ economy prospered with the production and export of cotton, which brought about great urban and architectural development.
  • Slavery: African slave labour was widely used on the plantations and in the construction of the city, leaving a deep mark on the local culture and population.
3. Independence and Modernisation
  • Brazilian Independence: In 1822, São Luís joined the Brazilian independence movement, and the city continued to develop as an important commercial and cultural centre.
  • Modernisation: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, São Luís underwent processes of modernisation, including the introduction of electric trams and the expansion of urban infrastructure.

2. Culture

1. Bumba Meu Boi
  • Description: One of Maranhão’s most important cultural manifestations, this is a dramatic dance that mixes indigenous, African and European elements, celebrating the legend of the resurrected ox.
  • Festas: Performances take place mainly during the June festivities, with groups (sotaques) of different styles performing throughout the city.
2. Tambor de Crioula
  • Description: Afro-Brazilian dance in honour of São Benedito, characterised by drumming, singing and circular dancing.
  • Afro-Brazilian Culture: Reflects the strong presence of Afro-Brazilian culture in São Luís, being an expression of resistance and cultural identity.
3. Reggae
  • Description: São Luís is known as the ‘Brazilian Jamaica’ due to the popularity of reggae. The city has a vibrant reggae scene, with concert halls, radio stations and parties dedicated to the genre.
  • Events: Various reggae festivals and events take place throughout the year, attracting lovers of the genre from all over Brazil and the world.

4. Architecture

1. Colonial mansions
  • Description: The historic centre of São Luís is famous for its colonial mansions, many of which are decorated with Portuguese tiles that help regulate the temperature inside.
  • Conservation: Many of these mansions have been restored and preserved, housing museums, shops, restaurants and residences.
2. Portuguese tiles
  • Description: One of the most striking features of São Luís’ architecture are the colourful tiles that adorn many of the building façades. These tiles were brought from Portugal and help give the city its distinctive charm.
  • Function: As well as being ornamental, the tiles help protect the buildings from intense heat and humidity.
3. Churches and convents
  • Catedral da Sé: Located in the historic centre, the Sé Cathedral is an impressive example of colonial religious architecture, with a richly decorated interior.
  • Santo Antônio Church: Another important religious building that reflects Portuguese Baroque architecture.
4. Arthur Azevedo Theatre
  • Description: One of the oldest theatres in Brazil, inaugurated in 1817, it is a cultural and architectural landmark of the city.
  • Style: It combines neoclassical and baroque elements and is an important venue for cultural and artistic performances.

5. Conclusion

São Luís do Maranhão is a city that enchants with its rich history, vibrant culture and impressive architecture.

The mixture of French, Dutch, Portuguese and African influences has created a unique identity that is reflected in every street, festival and building. Visiting São Luís is a journey through time, offering a deep immersion into Brazil’s cultural and historical heritage.

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