Recife, Olinda & Old Recife

OVERVIEW

Explore the most representative areas of Recife and the colonial town of Olinda and come away with a remarkably complete understanding of their allure. UNESCO deemed Olinda worthy of a World Heritage Centre designation for its harmonious blend of 18th-century architecture, much of which is well-preserved. While browsing the even older Sé Cathedral, you may hear how the Dutch captured the Portuguese-founded city in 1630 and influenced the urban fabric. As you will see in Recife, a church is also one of its primary landmarks. The baroque-style Golden Chapel is covered in gold leaf and is quite the sight to behold. For a glimpse of the city’s natural beauty, you will drive along Boa Viagem Beach before visiting the atmospheric Old Town. While walking down the street Rua do Bom Jesus, you will see a collection of fine 17th-century colonial buildings. Browsing a museum of giant puppets used in Carnival celebrations adds yet another perspective.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the charms of Olinda, a colonial town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
• Visit Olinda’s Sé Cathedral and Recife’s glorious Golden Chapel.
• Walk through Old Recife, a meticulously restored district full of shops and restaurants.
• Browse a museum of giant puppets that are featured in Carnival celebrations.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.