Brazil, a South American country that reminds you of the beaches, football, architecture and beautiful surroundings, has always been popular among history lovers from all over the world. There are several towns in the country reflecting its beautiful and rich history that started with indigenous people and Europeans arrived at the opening of the 16th century.
Take a look at a few of them:
Salvador
One of the most historically significant towns of Brazil, Salvador is the capital of Bahia reflecting a fine blend of colonial architecture from the Portuguese settlers and a deep-rooted Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, it is renowned as a central port for the incoming enslaved Africans in the 16th century and is thus, influenced by African cuisine, dance and music reflecting the local history. Pelourinho in the city centre is one of Salvador’s most popular neighbourhoods drawing attention with its large squares, colourful architecture and baroque-style churches.
Olinda
Situated in Pernambuco, a state in the north of Brazil, Olinda is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Brazil with a beautiful history. Founded in 1537 by the Portuguese Duarte Coelho Pereira, the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 16th and 17th century buildings. Visitors can have a great time here discovering many intriguing art galleries and imperial architecture. The city is also known for hosting one of the most famous carnivals of Brazil celebrated through a number of street parties with African-influenced dance and various different Brazilian genres.
Antonio Prado
Antonio Prado is a town in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul built by an Italian community who settled there in the early 19th century. Visitors can explore here several houses made from wood complete with criss-cross beams on the facades and fairytale fretwork lining the roof. There is a local Municipal Museum, one of the major attractions of the city where you can spot a wonderful collection of archives and artefacts displaying the town’s history over the past 100 years.
Porto Seguro
Located in the far south of Bahia, Porto Seguro is an amazing beachside holiday destination in Brazil with warm turquoise waters, flour-white shores and rows of palm trees lined up along the coastline. While the town is a major draw among beach lovers, it is also renowned for a unique event in history. Being the first landing spot of the Portuguese colonizers who arrived in 1500, Porto Seguro is as vibrant as any other part of Brazil and is popular among travellers from across the globe.
Mariana
The oldest city in the state of Minas Gerais, Mariana is the most historical among many historical towns in the state. The city is renowned for playing a key role in the Brazilian Gold Rush and thus, comprises the largest gold mine that is open to public in the world. Founded in 1696 and preserving the characteristics of a baroque city, it is one of the most scenic cities of Minas Gerais with miles of colonial houses, cobbled streets and baroque-style churches.
