Map of Recife from 1679
A rare aerial map of the city of Recife and its surroundings, showing the Dutch fortifications.
Although originally founded by the Portuguese, the Dutch decided to invade several cities in Pernambuco because of the local sugar cane industry.
From 1630 to 1654, the Dutch controlled the city of Recife, which became the new capital of Dutch Brazil, the city of Mauritsstad.
Mauritsstad (here called Mauritiópolis) became one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world under Dutch rule and is known for having the first Jewish community and synagogue, botanical garden and zoo in the Americas.
Map of Recife from 1679 – Historical Map
