Tourist Attractions & Monuments Brazil

Natural swimming pool with crystal clear waters, available in 4 x 4 only, and then through a small walk through the forest.

Far from the center, das Conchas beach (shells) is a true geographical curiosity because it draws a close-close circle, so the sea is very calm and it is a good dive spot.

The original building of this church dedicated to St John the Baptist dates from the second half of the 16th century, built in the Mannerist style. After a period of neglect, it underwent a major restoration campaign at the beginning of the 18th century, when its façade was embellished with Baroque elements, but the church was destroyed by fire in 1773. It fell into disrepair again in the 1990s, and a lack of funds prevented it from being renovated as it should have been.

The first church of the Carmelite Order in all the Americas, the first stones of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo were laid in 1580. When the city was destroyed by the Dutch in 1631, the church and convent suffered severe damage. In 1654, reconstruction work began. The place was abandoned in 1820. It was not until 1897 that a new restoration was undertaken, allowing the building to regain its splendour, displaying an architecture with Mannerist influences combined with Baroque elements.

Located on the Largo do Amparo, in the upper town of Olinda, the church of the same name was erected in 1613 and rebuilt in 1644, after being partially destroyed by the Dutch. Work continued until the end of the 18th century, giving the building its current Baroque configuration. However, the church was never completed in its entirety: there is only one aisle to the side of the nave. The beautiful gilded carvings on its altars are worth seeing.

The Church of Our Lady of the Conception, dating from the 16th century and located near the Largo da Misericórdia, was redesigned by the architect Fernandes Vieria as a shelter for abandoned women. Its façade features a cross surrounded by obelisks. The arcaded portico in the Franciscan style is quite remarkable. The interior has a beautifully painted ceiling from the second half of the 18th century, as well as figurative tile panels.

The Museum of Sacred Art of Pernambuco (MASPE) was inaugurated in 1977, in the former Episcopal Palace of Olinda, which was also used as a military barracks during the Second World War. The museum's collection consists of sacred art donated by the Archdiocese of Olinda and Recife: polychrome and gilded images from the 16th century, paintings and popular sacred art, as well as a wide range of church objects. A must-see for lovers of sacred art.

The church of Our Lady of Grace is one of the first churches in Brazil: in 1551 it was a simple chapel that was given to the Jesuits. About fifteen years later, Father Antônio Pires had a stone building erected, and between 1584 and 1592, the small church was enlarged by the priest Luiz Grã, with the addition of the nave, the façade and the roof. The church is very sober and has beautiful side chapels decorated with altars.

The construction of the convent began in 1585. Partially destroyed by the Dutch in 1631, it was rebuilt during the 17th century. The architectural ensemble, today classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is particularly remarkable for its cloister and sacristy covered with Portugueseazulejos representing various scenes, but also for the impressive sculptures that adorn the ceilings of the church, the sacristy and the chapel.

Along the Praia Jaguaribe (or Praia do SESC) there are many small barracas, making it one of the most popular beaches for young people to meet there (paquerar!). The neighbouring Praia de Piatã is bordered by coconut palms.

Located between Piatã and Itapoã, Placafor was the beach in vogue in the 1960s. It owes its name to the presence of a Ford advertisement (placa Ford)!

Praia dos Artistas was very popular with Bahian artists and intellectuals in the 1970s. The waves are low, which makes it interesting for children.

Armação beach has strong waves, ideal for surfing and windsurfing.

Jardim dos Namorados is not suitable for swimming, but it now has a nice and pleasant garden for walks.

Praia do Corsário is very popular with volleyball and football fans.