Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean from 1638 – Theatre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas… “Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali, cum Terris Adiacentibus”, Blaeu, Willem This beautiful map of the West Indies reflects the first hand knowledge of Hessel Gerritsz during his voyage to South America and […]
Map of Panama from 1699 “A Draft of the Golden & Adjacent Islands, with Part of ye Isthmus of Darien… [on sheet with] A New Map of ye Isthmus of Darien in America, the Bay of Panama, the Gulfs of Vallona or St. Michael…”, Hacke, William (Capt.) Two maps on […]
European architecture has several architectural styles that have changed slowly over the centuries. Unlike other styles, such as fashion or furniture design, architectural styles change much more slowly over the centuries. However, the architectural style of a building can also tell us about the period in which it was built. […]
Map of Brazil from 1606 – Delle Navigationi et Viaggi Raccolta… “Brazil”, Ramusio, Giovanni Battista This fascinating pictorial map is one of the first regional maps of Brazil. Illustrated with north to the right, the map is full of vignettes depicting native life rather than concentrating on geographical information. Indians […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1681 “Pascaerte van Westindien Begrypende in zich de Vaste Kusten en Eylanden, Alles op syn Waere Lengte en Breete op Wassende Graden Gelegt’, Keulen, Johannes van Van Keulen’s elegantly engraved map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean was based […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the southern United States, 1682 – Atlas Minor “Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali ac Regiones Adiacentes, a C. de May Usque ad Lineam Aequinoctialem”, Visscher, Nicolas This beautiful map shows the West Indies, covering the region from the Chesapeake to the […]
For more than three hundred years, Minas Gerais supported the Portuguese crown, helped build the idea of an independent Brazilian nation and always managed to remain influential in Brazilian political decisions. In the beginning, it was the interior. In the first centuries of colonisation, the territory that we now call […]
Baroque appeared in Brazil a little later, in the 18th century. The Baroque of Minas Gerais was a peculiar version of the Baroque that developed in Minas Gerais between the 18th and 19th centuries. Architecture, Painting, Sacred Sculpture and Music played an important role in the Minas Gerais Baroque. Evoking […]
The Caraça Sanctuary Complex is the only Private Nature Reserve (RPPN) with 11.233 hectares of Enchanting Landscapes, the result of the transition between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, framed by a Mountain Range with peaks over 2,000 metres high, forming part of the Serra do Espinhaço. The Serra do […]
The Serra do Cipó National Park is located in the south of the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range, in Minas Gerais. The Serra do Cipó includes the parishes of Jaboticatubas and Santana do Riacho, both of which have a good infrastructure of hotels and restaurants. The Serra do Cipó National […]
In the early days of the exploitation of the gold region, at the end of the 17th century, a long road connected the mining settlements with the port of Paraty, crossing the Mantiqueira mountain range. The journey took three months. In 1698 the bandeirante Garcia Rodrigues received authorisation to open […]
The city of Serro, known in its early days as the former Vila do Príncipe do Serro Frio, was the seat of one of the first four districts of the Captaincy of Minas Gerais. A city with preserved colonial architecture, its streets are characterised by the characteristics of the eighteenth-century […]
Diamantina is located 280 kilometres north of Belo Horizonte, via BR-040, and is the gateway to the Jequitinhonha Valley. Its formation dates back to the 18th century, when it was called Arraial do Tijuco, and it grew out of the diamond exploitation, ruthlessly controlled by the Portuguese Crown: no one […]
Modern buildings mix with colonial relics in São João del Rei, whose history begins at the end of the 17th century. In 1713, the village founded by bandeirantes on the banks of the River Mortes was elevated to the status of a town with its current name, in honour of […]
With its colonial charm and unspoilt atmosphere, Tiradentes, in Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil’s most charming destinations. Founded at the height of the gold rush, the city combines historical wealth with cultural and gastronomic attractions. Among the main tourist attractions are the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio, with its […]
The ruby is one of the world’s most valuable gemstones. The name comes from the Latin ruber, which means ‘red’. In this guide, you’ll learn about the significance of the ruby, its characteristics (colour, hardness, lustre and treatments), where it comes from and how it is used in jewellery. A […]
The quartz stone is one of the most commonly used gemstones in jewellery and one of the few coloured stones you’ll find in almost every jewellery shop. In this guide, you’ll learn about the meaning of quartz, its properties and characteristics, the different varieties and colours (rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, […]
The emerald is the green variety of beryl and one of the most highly prized gemstones in jewellery. In this guide, you will learn about the significance of the emerald, its characteristics (colour, hardness, lustre, treatments and quality), where it comes from and how it is used in jewellery. The […]
The famous Igrejinha da Pampulha in Belo Horizonte is also known by other names, such as Igreja de São Francisco de Assis or Capela Curial de São Francisco de Assis. History and Architecture of the Little Church of Pampulha Little Church of Pampulha or Curial Chapel of St Francis of […]
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Ouro Preto, in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, is considered one of the masterpieces of Brazilian Baroque. After all, it brings together in a single church the design and sculptures of Aleijadinho and the paintings of Mestre Ataíde, the two greatest artists of […]
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
