A historicidade da Praça Pedro Velho e suas relações com os valores culturais e dinâmicas urbanas de Natal/RN

Abstract

Urban squares, as public spaces for coexistence, reflect social, cultural and urban dynamics over time. In addition to functioning as places for leisure and meeting, squares act as points of memory and identity, condensing cultural expressions and urban transformations. In the context of Natal/RN, Pedro Velho Square, inaugurated in 1937, represents an example of these transformations. In this scenario, this study aimed to investigate how the historical trajectory of Pedro Velho Square highlights the cultural values ​​and urban dynamics of Natal/RN. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, with a bibliographic review of academic sources, articles and historical records, in addition to an analysis of local websites about Natal. It was demonstrated that the square in question is an example of how urban spaces can become symbols of resistance and belonging. The square, initially designed for leisure and coexistence, underwent modifications over time, reflecting the changes in Natal, such as the military dictatorship, which transformed it into a point of political demonstrations. The recognition of the square as a cultural heritage site, including the listing of its architectural and sculptural elements, has contributed to the preservation of its history and collective memory.