Map of Recife in Pernambuco from 1679 – Brazil
A rare aerial view of the city of Recife and its surroundings, particularly notable for its Dutch fortifications.
Although originally founded by the Portuguese, the Dutch decided to invade several cities in Pernambuco due to 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 Mauritiopolis) became one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world under Dutch rule and is known for being home to the first Jewish community and synagogue, botanical garden and zoo in the Americas. “Mauritiopolis Reciffa, et Circumiacentia Castra”, Merian, Matthaus
Map of Recife in Pernambuco from 1679 – Historical Maps of Brazil
