Colonial past
History and architecture
It may be clear that Brazil was once a colony of Portugal, it is the only country in South America where Portuguese is spoken. However, this is not the only thing left from this time. In Brazil, you will find many charming historical towns, where time has stood still.
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Afro-Brazilian culture
The colonial city of Salvador is bursting with life, it is the most African looking city of South America. Even more than in other parts of Brazil, this is where you can taste the sizzling atmosphere of a swinging and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture that was created when many slaves from Africa came to Salvador to work on the sugar cane plantations in Bahia.
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Open Air Museum Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is a true open-air museum. After the gold rush in Brazil started in the 18th century, Ouro Preto became its most important centre. Many people moved to this area and settled in the town. A lot of money was earned and this can be seen in the many richly decorated buildings and churches in the well-preserved historic centre of the town.
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Reserva do Ibitipoca
Travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Ouro Preto you will pass Reserva do Ibitipoca. This is a beautiful nature reserve where you can stay in the former Fazenda do Engenho, an old farm dating back to 1715, where you will step into the simple farming life of the colonial era. Everything has been restored and returned to its original state. A truly unique place, where you can make a romantic journey back in time, without having to compromise on comfort and where you will be surrounded by an enchantingly beautiful nature reserve.
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Baroque architecture in Tiradentes
Tiradentes is a small town in the Minas Gerais region and it was founded in 1702. Here you will find beautiful baroque architecture. The city owes its name to Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes. He was nicknamed Tiradentes (tooth puller), because of his profession as a dentist, but was mainly known as a Brazilian freedom fighter.
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Where Maurice of Nassau still lives on
The city of Olinda was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese and later colonised by the Dutch. Today you can still find buildings here that date back to the Dutch colonisation and Maurice (Maurits) of Nassau is seen as a celebrity. There are also several buildings with Arabic and English touches. In Olinda you will find various baroque churches, monasteries and numerous small chapels.
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Colonial painting on the Costa Verde
Paraty is a colonial town on the coast between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In the 17th century, Paraty had its heyday when the extracted gold and diamonds from the state of Minas Gerais were shipped from Paraty to Europe. Nowadays you can walk through the car-free centre and make beautiful boat trips along paradisiacal islands.
Today, Salvador in northeastern Brazil and Ouro Preto inland in the state of Minas Gerais are the two most important colonial cities when it comes to tourism. Both cities have a lot of history and are more than worth exploring.
Colonial buildings in Salvador
The full name of Salvador is; 'São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos', or 'Holy Saviour of the Bay of All Saints'. Salvador is, after São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the 3rd largest city in the country. Salvador was the capital of Brazil until 1763. This colonial city is bursting with life, it is the most African looking city of South America. The development of Salvador was strongly influenced by the large number of slaves that arrived in Salvador from Africa to work on the many (sugar cane) plantations that surrounded the city. The majority of the current population of Salvador consists of mulattos and black people who almost all descended from the considerable slave population of the time. Even more than in other parts of Brazil, here you can taste the vibrant atmosphere of a swinging and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. The historic upper town of Salvador has a large number of beautiful colonial buildings in a relatively small area. This part of the city, the district Pelourinho, called Pelô by the locals, is also the beating heart of the nightlife. In 1985 UNESCO added the historic upper town to the list of World Heritage and it was beautifully restored in 1990.
Ouro Preto, battlefield of independence
Ouro Preto is the former Vila Rica. The name of the city changed after the independence and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. It is wonderful to stroll up and down the winding streets with beautiful colonial buildings. You can feel the history! Not without reason, because against the backdrop of these narrow streets with buildings up to two floors and churches situated on hilltops, the most fierce revolt against the Portuguese enemy took place. The Inconfidência Mineira, a patriotic movement that fought for Brazilian independence, was conquered in 1789 with the hanging of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, better known as 'Tiradentes' and now an important part of history. The reports of the rebellion are in the Museum of the Inconfidência, the former municipal palace and prison, which has furniture, utensils, documents and religious artefacts in its collection. On the wide Tiradentes Square you will find the Governor's Palace, which now houses the Mining School, a college founded during the Empire, and also houses the Museum of Mineralogy. Definitely worth a visit are the theatre, and Casa dos Contos, where gold used to be weighed.
Travel through Brazil?
Would you like to make a trip through Brazil yourself, and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help you.