Whispers of samba echo here in the Estácio neighborhood. This is more than just a place it is the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant soul. We are standing in the shadow of history itself. Let me tell you about Estácio de Sá.
Estácio de Sá was a Portuguese soldier. He was an officer with a critical mission. The Portuguese crown ordered him to Brazil. His task was to fight French colonists. They were commanded by Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon. These French colonists had settled in Guanabara Bay in 1555. They called their settlement France Antarctique. Estácio de Sá is remembered as the founder of Rio de Janeiro. Today it is the second-largest city in Brazil.
Born in Portugal in 1520 Estácio de Sá had a powerful connection. He was the nephew of Mem de Sá. Mem de Sá was the Governor-General of Brazil. In 1564 Estácio arrived in Salvador Bahia with two galleons. After preparations with the help of Jesuits he set out by sea. He sailed from São Vicente São Paulo. This was the first Portuguese settlement in Brazil. He commanded an attack force.
On March 1 1565 he founded the city. It was named São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. It was near Sugarloaf Mountain. This location became his base. He launched military operations against the French. He also fought their Indigenous allies. Reinforcements arrived by sea. They were sent by his uncle from Salvador. Sá then commanded a successful attack. This was on the fortification of Uruçú-mirim. It happened on January 20 1567.
Tragically Estácio de Sá did not live long. He died on February 20 1567. An arrow pierced his eye causing a fatal wound. He was interred in the Church of Saint Sebastian. This was in the encampment he had founded. As Rio de Janeiro grew his remains were moved. They went to a new Church of Saint Sebastian in the Castelo.
In 1839 scholars rediscovered his remains. They worked for Emperor Pedro II. Later in 1862 the church was rebuilt. Some of his bones were exhumed. This happened in the presence of the Emperor. They were placed in a worthy urn.
Today Estácio de Sá’s legacy lives on. He is remembered as the founder of Rio de Janeiro. Many places and institutions in Brazil bear his name. The Estácio neighborhood is named in his honor. There is also the Rio samba school Estácio de Sá. It is a cradle of samba music. Furthermore there is the Universidade Estácio de Sá. It is one of the largest private universities in Brazil. The Universidade Estácio de Sá Futebol Clube is a football club. It is owned by the university.
So as the rhythms of samba fill the air remember Estácio de Sá. He shaped the destiny of this incredible city. His courage and vision helped to create Rio de Janeiro. This is a city that continues to inspire and captivate the world.