Doesn’t he look proud? This is the Monumento a João Ramalho. It stands as a tribute to a significant figure in Brazilian history. Let’s delve into the story behind this monument.
The Monumento a João Ramalho honors João Ramalho. He was a Portuguese explorer. He played a crucial role in the early settlement of Brazil. João Ramalho arrived in Brazil sometime between 1510 and 1530. He settled in the region now known as ABC. This area is near modern-day São Paulo.
João Ramalho worked to gain official recognition for his settlement as a Vila. This was achieved on April 8 1553. Vila de Santo André da Borda do Campo was created. In 1560 the Vila status shifted to São Paulo de Piratininga. This is today’s São Paulo. João Ramalho was transferred there. He became responsible for the defense of the new Vila. He died around 1580.
The Monumento a João Ramalho was originally installed in the center of Praça Quarto Centenário. With the construction of the Santo André Civic Center it was moved. It was first moved near the Municipal Chamber. Later it was moved to Térreo 2. Finally in September 2019 it was placed next to the post office building.
Emanuel Manasse created the statue. He was born in Romania between 1907 and 1909. He lived in London in the 1940s. By the 1950s Manasse was in São Paulo. He participated in the 2nd Bienal in 1953. Besides this statue Manasse also created “A Sereia” in the Fundação Maria Luisa and Oscar Americano gardens. This was in 1955. Manasse moved to the United States in 1984. The date of his death is unknown.
The monument’s construction was driven by the local Portuguese community. The official commission for the 4th centenary celebrations of Santo André had given up on the monument. A parallel commission was organized. The statue was inaugurated on April 8 1953. This celebrated the municipality’s fourth centenary.
The initial proposal was for a 3.2-meter-tall statue. It would have a granite pedestal of three meters. The estimated cost was 320 thousand cruzeiros. Manasse’s design was chosen. It cost 340 thousand cruzeiros.
The Monumento a João Ramalho stands as a symbol of Santo André’s history. It represents the area’s Portuguese roots. It reminds us of the early settlers who shaped the region.
Putting masks on statues during the pandemic highlighted the monument. It emphasized the importance of collective responsibility. The Monumento a João Ramalho has seen changes. It has been moved. It now stands as a testament to history. It embodies community spirit.