Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1740 This impressive map of the Americas shows a prominent island of California, based on the second Sanson model, with two jagged bays on its north coast. Just above the island is the Strait of Fretum Anian and the coastline of Terra Esonis incognito, obscured […]
Map of South America from 1638 This is an important decorative map of the continent and an essential piece for any South American collection. The coastlines are well detailed, but the interior is full of misinformation. Several rivers (including the Amazon and the Paraguay) flow into the Lago de los […]
Map of South America from 1694 This beautiful map of the continent is decorated with elaborate title and mileage cartouches, which balance the lower part of the map with images of Native Americans, flora and fauna. One cartouche contains the title of the map, while the other shows eight different […]
Map of Northern South America from 1730 This beautiful and important map of the northern part of South America is full of information and annotations speculating on the indigenous tribes and the tributaries of the Amazon. The captains are shown along the coast of Brazil. An annotation in Guyana records […]
The Campo das Princesas Palace, the seat of government of the state of Pernambuco, was built in 1841, originally in the neoclassical style. Over time, however, the building underwent several reconstructions and extensions, incorporating elements characteristic of architectural eclecticism. Neoclassicism was a artistic and literary movement that emerged in the […]
The Franciscan presence in Brazil can be traced back to the Discovery, when Friar Henry of Coimbra, a member of the Cabral’s Expedition, celebrated the First Mass on 22 April 1500, shortly after arriving at the bay of Port Seguro, in the south of what is now the state of […]
The São Francisco Cultural Centre, located in the Historic Centre of João Pessoa, Paraíba, is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks of the city. This architectural complex is a significant example of Baroque art in Brazil and includes the Church of São Francisco and the Convent of […]
The Olinda Carnival in Pernambuco is an important cultural event in the Brazilian scene, characterised by the rhythm of frevo, popular expressions and the presence of giant puppets. The giant puppets were introduced in 1932 with the Midnight Man, and these papier-mâché visual elements have become icons of local cultural […]
The city of Olinda, in Pernambuco, is home to one of the most important landmarks in the religious and educational history of colonial Brazil: the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça and the Seminary of Olinda. This religious complex dates back to the 16th century and is of great historical […]
São Bento de Olinda Monastery: History, Architecture and Cultural Importance The Monastery of São Bento de Olinda, located in the state of Pernambuco, is one of the most important monuments of the historical, religious and artistic heritage of colonial Brazil. Founded in the context of the Benedictine expansion in the […]
Olinda Cathedral: History and Architecture The Olinda Cathedral, also known as the Church of Saint Saviour of the World, is located in the Historic Site of Olinda and occupies a prominent position in the city’s landscape. As well as being the first religious building constructed by the Portuguese on their […]
The birds found in the Chapada Diamantina, in the heart of Bahia, attract birdwatchers from all over Brazil and abroad. Sighting lists for the region include hundreds of species, with some estimates putting the figure at over 400. Among them are birds found only here or in a few mountain […]
Although they had been present in Brazil since the first Portuguese expeditions, the Franciscans did not settle here permanently until several decades later. In this respect, the Franciscan Monastery of Olinda is considered the oldest establishment of the disciples of St Francis on Brazilian soil, the cradle of the Order […]
The main towns and villages in the Chapada Diamantina region, in the heart of Bahia, serve as bases for exploring the Chapada Diamantina National Park, which protects some 152,000 hectares of waterfalls, caves, archaeological sites and spectacular geological features. Each has its own distinct character: some are historic towns listed by IPHAN, […]
The history and architecture of Solar do Unhão Solar do Unhão is a historic architectural complex situated on the shores of Todos os Santos Bay in Salvador (BA). Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the complex comprises the main manor house, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a […]
The Gamboa neighbourhood: one of the best places to visit in Salvador The Gamboa neighbourhood in Salvador is characterised by being a coastal community, which has been inhabited by fishermen for centuries, situated at the south-western entrance to the Bay of Todos os Santos, close to the historic city centre. […]
Avenida Contorno in Salvador (also known as Avenida Lafayette Coutinho) is one of the most iconic stretches of the city’s waterfront, linking Cidade Alta to Cidade Baixa and running alongside the Bay of Todos-os-Santos.In this guide, you’ll find a historical overview and the main tourist attractions along the avenue. A […]
Map of Olinda in Pernambuco from 1640 This map shows two views of the Portuguese sugar colonies in Brazil during the Dutch invasion in 1630. The top view shows the Dutch fleet attacking the port and fort. Below is a plan of the town of Olinda and its surroundings, with […]
Jade is a gemstone that has been used since prehistoric times and is prized in many cultures. In this guide, you will learn about the meaning of jade, its properties and characteristics (jadeite and nephrite), the different varieties and colours, treatments and the A, B and C classifications, and how […]
The agate has been prized since ancient times and is known for its coloured bands, which form unique patterns in each piece. In this guide, you’ll find out about the meaning of agate, its properties and characteristics, the main varieties, dyeing, its use in jewellery, care instructions and production in […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
The history of Lençóis, in Bahia, begins with diamond mining. The origins of the town are linked to the discoveries made in 1844 in Mucugê and
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
