Exploring Old Towns Olinda and Recife, Brazil, Olinda, Brazil
The neighbouring communities of Olinda and Recife in northern Brazil have fabulous, but very different Old Towns. Separated by the Beberibe River, both have historical centres filled with colonial Portuguese heritage buildings. Olinda was established first and therefore, its buildings are much older, but no less impressive. The two centres are so close that you can explore the Old Towns of both Olinda and Recife in a couple of days.
As one of Brazil鈥檚 oldest colonial communities, we were excited to visit Olinda. It was established in 1547 by the Portuguese because it provided the perfect location between the sugarcane fields and the Atlantic Ocean. For almost 200 years Olinda was one of the most important cities in Brazil鈥檚 sugarcane industry. Those crops are still important to this area. As we drove into the city fields of sugar cane covered all of the available land.
With a name meaning 鈥極h Beautiful鈥�, how could you not expect Olinda to be a pretty town. It was built on a hill so that its narrow, cobblestone streets run and up and down throughout the historical district. They are made even more attractive by the colourful colonial homes that adorn their sides. It鈥檚 not a large area and the buildings are simple, but their colourful exteriors almost make you forget the lack of ornate decorations. Carvings on weathered wooden doors add even more character to this old neighbourhood. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
As one of Brazil鈥檚 oldest colonial communities, we were excited to visit Olinda. It was established in 1547 by the Portuguese because it provided the perfect location between the sugarcane fields and the Atlantic Ocean. For almost 200 years Olinda was one of the most important cities in Brazil鈥檚 sugarcane industry. Those crops are still important to this area. As we drove into the city fields of sugar cane covered all of the available land.
With a name meaning 鈥極h Beautiful鈥�, how could you not expect Olinda to be a pretty town. It was built on a hill so that its narrow, cobblestone streets run and up and down throughout the historical district. They are made even more attractive by the colourful colonial homes that adorn their sides. It鈥檚 not a large area and the buildings are simple, but their colourful exteriors almost make you forget the lack of ornate decorations. Carvings on weathered wooden doors add even more character to this old neighbourhood. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Exploring Old Towns Olinda and Recife, Brazil
Guide Location: Brazil » Olinda
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Maggie Kayes
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Brazil » Olinda
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Maggie Kayes
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Catedral da S茅
- Alta da S茅
- Observat贸rio Astron么mico
- Bas铆lica e Mosteiro de S茫o Bento
- Igreja do Carmo
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ros谩rio dos Homens Pretos
- Igreja Nossa Senhora do Amparo
- Igreja da Miseric贸rdia
- Pal谩cio dos Governadores
- Pra莽a Marco Zero
- Rua de Bom Jesus
- Synagogue Kahal Zur Israel
- Pra莽a da Rep煤blica
- Santa Isabela Theatre
- Cathedral
- Boa Viagem Beach
- Hotel Pousada Casuarinas
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