Historical Places in Natal Picture 1

More information on Forte dos Reis Magos in Natal Photo by: Silveira Neto

Natal history is very rich, dating back nearly 400 years when the first explorers used the city as a port and a defensive position.   In 1597 a fleet or Portuguese arrived at the Potenji river, founding a new city and fortress which was tasked with keeping the French away.  The village that was setup in 1598 was named Natal or Christmas, after the date it founded.  From there, the Dutch managed to take over the fortress between 1633 and 1654, when the Portuguese were finally able to reclaim it.  The city was important as it was used to export the sugar cane that was grown in Brazil, and also the gold that was mined.   Natals history is deeply tied in with shaping how present day Brazil is.

More recently, Natal was used during World War II as a supply station.   Natal is the closest point to both Africa and Europe, making it a great  military position even today.  Thousands of American soldiers spent their war years in Natal an often unrealized partner during those trying times.

The end result is over 400 years of Natal history, with buildings and much of its culture dating back to the earlier years and which has been beautifully captured and restored through out the city.  

More Photos of Historical Places in Natal Picture 1