Brazil boasts an amazing collection of historical places. From Ouro Preto’s charming colonial-era streets to Serra da Capivara National Park’s jaw-dropping rock art, Brazil is home to an astonishing variety of historical attractions. Here are a few of them.
An iconic landmark, this majestic monument is composed of 16 arch pillars that converge into one central space – serving as a testament to Brazilian independence and being recognized worldwide as such.
Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is an industrial hub and city of contrasts. Established in the late 1800s to replace Ouro Preto as state capital of Minas Gerais, today Belo Horizonte has become well known for its eclectic blend of contemporary and classical buildings as well as containing several modern Brazilian landmarks like Pampulha Complex.
Belo Horizonte’s layout follows an orderly grid plan and features wide avenues intersected diagonally by smaller streets. It is renowned as an art and cultural hub with several museums, schools (such as ballet, music conservatory and technical college) as well as its modernist monument “Rainha da Sucata (Queen of Scrap Iron) created by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron covering an exuberant staircase running down its central part with broken glass tiles from an array of colors in exuberant patterns. Additionally, visit Serra do Capivara National Park where canyons and dense vegetation provide evidence of early human occupation as early humans began taking hold as early human existence on earth!
Paraty
Paraty’s beauty makes you feel as though you have traveled back in time. A major player during Brazil’s colonial history, Paraty offers numerous historical buildings and churches dating back centuries.
It was given its name by the indigenous people that first settled it, though its prosperity did not begin until gold was discovered inland during the late 17th century. With gold’s arrival came one of Brazil’s major ports – new buildings and churches were constructed and it saw tremendous prosperity for decades afterward.
But once the gold ran out, its fortunes declined quickly and began to decline quickly. Even so, today the town remains a popular tourist destination – its preserved historic center offering unique experiences such as stone streets lined with colorful colonial houses. Surrounded by natural beauty such as trails, waterfalls and beaches – perfect for both adventure tourism as well as relaxation ecotourism!
Brasilia
Brasilia, Brazil’s modern capital and an attractive travel destination, boasts an enviable standard of living that can be seen through well-attended restaurants and flashy cars adorning its streets. Brasilia also features impressive architectural landmarks, such as National Congress with its distinctive convex-concave domes as well as Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Apparition of Brasilia which makes for a captivating visit.
Oscar Niemeyer designed and completed in 1970 the circular Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida on Esplanada dos Ministerios with its striking concrete columns that suggest hands reaching heavenward. Completion came five years later with Memorial dos Povos Indigenais which features its design inspired by Yanomamo houses – designed in consultation with them to ensure authenticity.
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is one of the country’s most stunning scenic spots, boasting rock pools and tropical waterfalls as well as being an animal haven, hosting jaguars and anteaters among others.
Pelourinho
Pelourinho, at the core of historic center Rio, is an exuberant maze of colorful homes that stands out among a sea of grey buildings. While its tourist industry may have expanded substantially in recent years, this area still exudes authenticity; many locals are happy to share their stories with visitors; you may even witness a mesmerizing capoeira roda (circle) performing dance, acrobatics and music right in your neighborhood!
This neighborhood’s dark past is evident: It served as Brazil’s original slave market; its name, Sao Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, translates as “Saint Savior of All Saints.” As part of UNESCO World Heritage Site status, churches and cobblestone streets provide glimpses into this history.
Pelourinho offers an unforgettable journey into Brazil’s African roots. Join this 8-hour tour to unravel its complex history, learn more about African culture through its cuisine and architecture, and visit Sao Joaquim Market founded by slaves that is now one of Salvador’s biggest open-air markets.
