Things to see and do Brésil Nordeste

Created in 1997, it is a vast open-air museum where you can browse the sites that were the theatre of the war of Canudos: Death valley, Alto do Mário, sacred road, sticking valley… Charming names, echoing the furious violence of the confrontations that occurred in these places. No trace of the village, because not content with having razed and burned the village after having exterminated most of the inhabitants, the Brazilian government blew the site under the Açude Cocorobó (the lake created by a water restraint near Parque Estadual).

Nowadays it is a cultural centre under the supervision of Sesc. Built by the merchant Colonel Aureliano de Medeiros who designed this residence surrounded by gardens. He had the ironwork brought from Germany and the crystal, carpets and porcelain from France. He brought many decorative objects from across the Atlantic to show the owner's wealth. Years later, the building housed the Court of Justice and, in the 1930s, it became the Bela Vista Hotel, one of the most refined hotels in Natal at the time.

The neoclassical Potengi Palace dates from 1865. The Maranhão Theatre dates from 1904. The Palácio Potengi cultural space, or simply Palácio Potengi or Palácio da Cultura, is an imposing historical building dating from the 19th century located in Praça Sete de Setembro (September Square). The building, in neoclassical style, was the seat of government until the 1980s, and previously housed the State Assembly. The building is classified in the IPHAN. Today, it houses the Pinacoteca of the State of Rio Grande do Norte.

A dozen coconut trees ployés by western trade winds are looking at fishing houses and green water.

The powder museum. This thick and blind building was built in 1708 and houses a museum of the city, open morning and afternoon except on Mondays.

Completed around 1714 (the exact date of its construction is unknown), it was built on the heights, from where one has a superb view of the Potengi River. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, built by slaves. The original form was probably more modest; the sacristy, tower and side aisle were added later. Around it, the original paving, of the Moleque pe type, can still be found. Mass in Latin is still celebrated on Sundays, according to the most traditional ritual of Catholicism

It served as the starting point for the cable car that connected it to the Fort of the Three Kings. The place where this church is located today was originally occupied by the first chapel of the city, built in 1619, of which some walls still exist. It has undergone several modifications: it was transformed into a Calvinist temple during the Dutch invasion, in 1786 it received the baptistery and in 1862 its tower was completed. In 1994 it underwent a major restoration, during which the added elements were removed.

They date from 1590, but were completed in 1783. Different styles, therefore. Beautiful Portuguese tiles from the 18th century and pieces of sacred art from the 17th to 19th centuries. This architectural ensemble is one of the most remarkable baroque ensembles in Brazil. We will appreciate the church of São Francisco and the convent of Santo Antônio, the chapel of the Third Order of São Francisco, the chapel of São Benedito, the house of prayer, called golden chapel.

It is a former prison, now occupied by small craft lodges. The building, which dates from the 19th century, was once an orphanage, then a residence, before being transformed and restored to house the tourist centre. It is one of the best places in the city for shopping. Shirts, dresses, hammocks, home decor, lace fabrics and souvenirs. On Thursday evenings, the center becomes a very lively place. This is the Forró do turista, a highlight of the Potiguar night.

This fort was built in January 1598. Isolated in the middle of the sands, at the mouth of the Potengi River, it is shaped like a star. It was built to defend the city against the French and pirate attacks. Known as Fortaleza dos Reis Magos, the fort was the first building in the city. It was begun by the Portuguese on January 6, 1598 (the day of the Three Kings), hence the origin of the name. The star-shaped fortress is the origin of the city's construction and is its main historical and cultural monument.

Like its neighbour Pipa, a small fishermen's community that became a popular seaside resort, Tibau do Sul has beautiful beaches. They are located at the bottom of its famous pink cliffs. The confidential surfers' spot of the 70s has become an important tourist area. You can swim in Praia de Tibau and Praia do Giz, or watch the sunset in Lagoa de Guarairas. If you continue south after Praia do Giz, you will arrive at Praia de Cacimbinha and then Praia do Madeiro, a surf spot, a very nice walk.

Several beaches in Pipa, all very beautiful.

The Praia do Centro is easily accessible (at the bottom of the village, where the many barracas are concentrated).

Going south you reach the Praia do Amor (on the beach only at low tide).

Towards the north you reach the Praia do Curral (also known as Baia dos Golfinhos), but beware: the only access is by the beach during low tide, there is no way to get out when the tide is high. You can see dolphins surfing in the waves, sometimes a few meters from the shore!