City history
Explore the rich history of Recife, from its strategic coral reefs and Dutch occupation to its status as a modern Brazilian metropolitan hub.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Reef"
While indigenous peoples inhabited the coast, the name Recife is the earliest documented historical name, referring to the coral reefs that define the local geography.
Reef
The name refers to the coastal reefs that provided natural protection for early maritime and colonial settlements in the region.
Maurice's City
During the period of Dutch rule, the city was renamed to honor the importance of Governor Johan Maurits of Nassau.
Chapter two
Brazil standardized its national timekeeping, placing the region of Recife within the UTC-03:00 time zone for administrative efficiency.
The Brazilian government officially abolished the use of daylight saving time, meaning Recife remains on standard time throughout the year.
Chapter three
The Dutch West India Company seized control of the territory, initiating a significant period of European architectural and cultural development.
The Portuguese forces successfully reclaimed the territory, ending the Dutch period and restoring the original colonial administrative structures.
The modernization of the Port of Recife greatly enhanced the city's ability to engage in international maritime trade and commerce.
The inauguration of the Recife Metro system provided a vital rapid transit solution, significantly improving connectivity for the metropolitan population.