By Lindenberg Junior
Translation: Mallory Adragna
The Cathedral Alto da Sé is a historic building in Olinda. Photos Courtesy of Olinda City Hall
Among the many incredible destinations found in the Northeast of Brazil, the city of Olinda is a favorite among tourists due to its historical and cultural attractions. It has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites since 1982. Located in Pernambuco, the city is only 7km away from the capital Recife – here in our website you can read a cool article about the “Brazilian Venice”.
The historic center of Olinda is known for its architecture, landscape, and urbanism, which reflect the prosperity of the sugar economy. The site includes:
- Buildings: The Cathedral Alto da Sé, Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, Palácio Episcopal, Misericórdia church, and convents
- Gardens: Hedges, convent precincts, and small chapels
- Chapels: Small passos (chapels) and Baroque churches
Olinda was founded in 1535 and is the oldest city in Brazil. It was the capital of the Portuguese administrative division of Pernambuco during the colonial era. The city was looted by the Dutch, so most of the buildings you see today in the old town are from the 18th century. Olinda is also known for its popular Carnaval on the Streets with hundreds of small musical groups named as “blocos”, and mostly, free to join.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
São Francisco Beach has important historical building Fortim do Queijo. Photos Courtesy of Olinda City Hall
Elected the first Brazilian Capital of Culture in 2006, the city of Olinda is known for its traditions, whether they are highlighted in its colonial architecture, gastronomy and popular culture. There are so many options for activities that the main recommendation for visiting Olinda is to take your time and enjoy the city.
The “centro historico” (historic center) of Olinda is the main attraction where you can find lovely colorful houses and historic churches. In the “Alto da Sé’” you can find several craft shops, the city’s most traditional fair, as well as viewpoints that guarantee wonderful 360-degree views of Olinda and the Recife coastline. Get ready to take some great travel photos In the Alto da Sé you can also find Olinda’s most famous architectural landmark: the Cathedral of São Salvador do Mundo, popularly known as Catedral da Sé.
Another historical site worth checking out is the Convent of São Francisco. Founded in the 16th century, the building offers architectural and decorative beauty, with 16 tile panels depicting the life and death of Saint Francis.
People let themselves be carried away by the rhythm of frevo. Photos Courtesy of Olinda City Hall
THE BEACHES
Olinda is a city built around beautiful beaches, which is why many important and historical points of the city are located near the sea. Some of the highlights are: Bairro Novo Beach, Casa Caiada Beach, Farol Beach, and São Francisco Beach. Casa Caiada Beach is the most visited by tourists, and São Francisco Beach has important historical building as the Fort of São Francisco de Olinda, also called Fortim do Queijo .
POPULAR FESTIVALS
While Olinda is a living museum all year round, during Carnival and the June festivities, the city becomes a sea of excitement and euphoria. During Carnaval (or carnival as Americans named it) the hills of oldtown Olinda are packed. In the streets, people let themselves be carried away by the rhythm of frevo and maracatu. Recife and Olinda together with Rio de Janeiro and Salvador of Bahia are the top Brazil’s carnival hot spots! Since carnival season is usually february or march, and high season as also is summertime, it is recommended that you book your accommodation in advance.
Casa dos Bonecos. Photos Courtesy of Olinda City Hall
During the carnival off-season in Olinda, you can see the “Bonecos Gigantes” (Giant Dolls) in their natural habitat. Standing over two meters or more tall, the bonecos gigantes represent some famous brazilians or pitoreque folclore personalities of Brazilian culture – and more characters are added each year.
During carnival off-season you can see them display at the Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes de Olinda, while during the carnival week you can see them leader the different “Blocos de Rua” such as Homem da Meia-Noite (midnight man) , Mulher do Dia (woman of the day) among others. The “Homem da Meia-Noite” is considered a cultural and artistic heritage of the state of Pernambuco.
- The takeaway
Olinda is the perfect destination when it comes to history, carnival, and culture! If you can, be sure to check out the beauty of one of the most colorful and cheerful postcards in the northeast!
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