while portuguese settlers officially founded the city august 15, 1615, the human history of the region dates back almost 1,500 years - when indigenous warriors, named tupinambás (tupi), began exploring the brazilian coastline.

centuries later, a portuguese naval expedition suffered a shipwreck off the coast of cabo frio - two recognizance vessels were sent for help, arriving on the site where the city now resides in 1503,  starting the colonization of the area.

however, for about 40 years at the beginning of the sixteenth century, the french controlled this region and so french explorers also left their mark - as a result the many churches, forts, and historic buildings have a decidedly european feel.