Things to see and do Recife

Built in the 18th century by the brotherhood of the Santissimo Sacramento do Corpo Santo, this church is considered one of the most beautiful in Recife. Built between 1753 and 1790, its interior is richly decorated with sculptures from the late 18th century. The façade of the building is magnificent, with volutes and shells on the portals. In the main altar there is a throne with a crucifix and niches containing the images of Saint Anthony and Saint Sebastian.

Beautiful church completed in 1771. The interior is in rococo style, typical of northern Portugal. The simple facade hides an exuberant interior, rich as the image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição on the high altar and the white and golden rococo sculptures of the central arch. On the choir, one can admire a fresco representing the first battle of the Guararapes against the Dutch. There is also the Padre Roberto Barbalho Museum of Sacred Art.

In the old quarter of Boa Vista, close to the city centre, the city's Museum of Modern Art hosts temporary national and international exhibitions. The building, like a district, or even a city that seemed to be falling into disuse, has been tastefully renovated and honours the city's artistic policy since 2001. It has three floors and seven exhibition rooms, an auditorium and a library specializing in modern art.

In addition to the Ricardo Brennand ceramics factory and museum, the ceramist has also created a foundation. In the 2000s, the patron Ricardo Brennand built the Castelo São João, inspired by English castles, in a large wooded area of more than 70,000 m², surrounded by preserved mata atlantica, to house his art collection. There is an art gallery, a museum of arms and an art gallery. Today the complex also has a library and a café.