What is the oldest city in Brazil and how to get there?

Do you have any idea which is the oldest city in Brazil and how to get there?

In Brazil's more than 500 years of history, thousands of cities have emerged and prospered greatly. So much so that the country has become one of the most populous in the world.

But how did it all begin? We know that Brazil's history in relation to cities began when the Portuguese arrived here and during the colonization process.

So what is the oldest city in the world? The one that marked the beginning of a new phase for our country?

This is the topic we are going to talk about today. 

As you may have already seen, this week we released content about the oldest cities in the world – which you can read by clicking here. 

And after this material, nothing is more fair than creating content more focused on the history of our own country.

Throughout the text, you will discover which is the oldest city in Brazil, how to get there and which other Brazilian cities are noteworthy for also being very old.

What is the oldest city in Brazil?

Thinking about the History classes we have at school, the logical thing to think is that the oldest city in Brazil is one of those that marked the arrival of the Portuguese here in 1500, right?

But in reality it is not quite like that.

Although the Portuguese landed in Bahia – more precisely in Monte Pascoal, on the southern coast of the state – the oldest city in Brazil is not there.

In fact, the oldest city in Brazil is not even in Bahia, but in São Paulo. I bet you didn't know that, right?

The Brazilian city that is considered the oldest in the world is Cananéia, located on the coast of SP.

Founded in 1531, the city is approximately 260 km from the capital of São Paulo and was founded by Martim Afonso de Sousa. 

And the historical fact of which the city is part is visible to this day. The colonial style of the historic buildings attracts the attention of tourists who travel to the city throughout the year.

And the fact that it is the oldest city in the world did not go unnoticed by the responsible bodies. The city has already been recognized as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Today, the city is recognized as one of the main tourist attractions on the coast of São Paulo, becoming a destination for thousands of tourists all year round. 

Among the city's attractions are the beaches, the islands in the region and the waterfalls of the Ilha do Cardoso State Park, which is relatively close to the city.

As the city does not have the infrastructure to receive an airport, tourists need to travel by car or bus to get to know the city.

The controversy surrounding the title of oldest city in Brazil

Of course, the title of oldest city in Brazil would attract some controversy. Despite the title that the city carries, some historians argue that the city was initially a village.

And along with that, for official purposes, São Vicente – another city located on the coast of São Paulo – which was founded in 1532, is also considered the oldest city in the world.

But despite this controversy, Cananéia still holds this title.

Some of the other oldest cities in the world

Now that you know the oldest city in Brazil – and you’ve also seen the 2nd city – how about we talk a little more about some of the country’s other oldest cities?

Salvador, Bahia

Do you remember that we mentioned at the beginning of the text about Bahia's role in the country's history? It's time to talk a little about it.

Founded in 1549, the capital of Bahia stands out for having been founded as the first official capital of Colonial Brazil.

And for those who visit the city, it is not difficult to glimpse all the influence of the colonizers' culture in the buildings and historic centers, such as Pelourinho, the Church of Senhor do Bonfim and the Farol da Barra.

And just like Cananéia, Salvador was also listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Olinda, Pernambuco

You've obviously heard of Olinda, right? The city – located in Pernambuco – is famous throughout Brazil and even in other countries – for hosting one of the most famous carnivals in the country. 

And also, who has never seen the famous Olinda dolls?

But beyond these attractions, what few people know is that the city also holds the title of being one of the first cities in our country.

The city in Pernambuco was founded in 1535. And, almost 100 years after its foundation, the city ended up being the victim of an invasion carried out by the Dutch.

After this episode, the city was only governed by the Portuguese again around 24 years later.

With a fascinating historic center that expresses the history of our country well, the city was also considered a Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1982.

São Paulo

Another city that could not be left out of this list is São Paulo. The largest city in Brazil and South America was also founded in the first century after the arrival of the Portuguese in our country – more precisely in 1554.

The city's history begins in a curious way. São Paulo began as a Jesuit college. 

Created to act in the catechization of the Indians, the city began in a facility similar to a shed on top of a hill.

And despite the city having become the great metropolis that we know today, the city still has points that help to understand a little more about the history of Brazil.

Among them are the Pateo do Collegio and the Historic Triangle, located in the Historic Center of São Paulo.

Conclusion

So, did you already know the historical past of these cities?

Here in this list, we have gathered just some of the oldest cities in Brazil.

In addition to these, cities such as Igarassu/PE, Vila Velha/ES, Iguape/SP and Recife/PE are also cities that were founded in the first century of Brazil.

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