Historic Towns of North-Eastern Brazil

The historic town of Olinda is located on Brazil's north-eastern coast and dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by the Portuguese. Its historic centre now dates mostly to the 18th century and includes outstanding Baroque buildings such as the Episcopal Church, the Church of Graca, the Convent do Carmo and numerous Franciscan, Carmelite and Benedictine monasteries and convents. The richly decorated religious buildings contrast with the charming simplicity of the brightly painted houses in the town.

São Luís, located on Brazil's northern coast, was founded by the French in 1612 and occupied by the Dutch before coming under Portuguese rule. Economic stagnation in the 20th century ensured the survival of numerous historic buildings in the town, with some 4,000 within its historic centre. These are mostly private dwellings characterised by courtyards, painted or tiled facades, tall narrow windows bays and balconies with forged or cast-iron railings.

The historic town of São Cristóvão is centred on São Francisco Square, a quadrilateral open space surrounded by buildings such as São Francisco Church and convent, the Church and Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the Provincial Palace and numerous 18th and 19th century houses.