Tourist Guide to Salvador, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil and Brazil

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History, Culture and Architecture of São Luís do Maranhão

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.

About 2,500 buildings are listed by the State Historical Heritage and 1,000 by IPHAN.

Part of the 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 with the hot and humid climate.

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

The architectural styles are terraced houses, single-storey houses and villas.

The sobrados are up to four storeys high, with the ground floor used as a shop and the other floors as homes.

The manor houses, magnificent sobrados, have many refined details, and the one-storey houses can be classified in different 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 bit 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 São Luís.

1. Company history

1. Foundation and colonisation

  • French foundation: São Luís was founded in 1612 by the French under the command of Daniel de La Touche, Lord of La Ravardière. They built Fort 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 thrived on the production and export of cotton, which led to 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 the most important cultural manifestations of Maranhão, this is a dramatic dance that mixes indigenous, African and European elements, celebrating the legend of the resurrected ox.
  • Festivities: Performances take place mainly during the June fiestas, 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, as 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.

3. 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 the architecture of São Luís is the colourful tiles that adorn many of the building facades. These tiles were brought from Portugal and help to give the city its distinctive charm.
  • Function: As well as being decorative, tiles help to protect buildings from intense heat and humidity.

3. Churches and monasteries

  • Cathedral of Sé: Located in the historic centre, the Cathedral of Sé is an impressive example of colonial religious architecture, with a richly decorated interior.
  • Church of Santo Antônio: Another important religious building reflecting 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.
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