Happy TravellerWelcome to Volta Redonda, the Steel City of Brazil! Located in the Rio de Janeiro state, this municipality covers an area of 182.81 km2 and has a population of 273,988 inhabitants as of 2020. The city’s name, which means Round Turn in Portuguese, is due to the circular shape of a curve in the Paraíba do Sul river around which it was built. Volta Redonda is home to Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN), the second-largest steel producer in Brazil, which has played a significant role in the city’s economy. Today, the economy of Volta Redonda is quite diverse, with a focus on services and trade. This makes it a strategic area, close to other major hub cities in regional states like Juiz de Fora and Sao Jose dos Campos.
Volta Redonda has a rich history, dating back to 1744 when the first explorers named the Paraíba do Sul river turn. The region was home to large farms, and some district names still reflect this agricultural past. The golden period of navigation through the Paraíba do Sul river between the cities of Resende and Barra do Piraí started in the 1860s, and at the same time, the railroad D. Pedro II was built in Barra do Piraí and Barra Mansa. In 1941, the Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) steel mill was built in Volta Redonda, marking the beginning of Brazilian industrialization. The mill was heavily subsidized and a symbol of national pride. Today, the Presidente Vargas Steelworks is one of the world’s most efficient steel production facilities.
Volta Redonda is also known for its higher education institutions like the Fluminense Federal University and the Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro. The city is home to sports teams like the Volta Redonda Futebol Clube, which plays its home matches at Estádio Raulino de Oliveira in the city downtown.
Come and explore the hidden gem of Volta Redonda, Brazil, and discover its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Don’t miss out on this enchanting destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
