Things To Do in Olinda: Northeast Brazil's Colonial Gem, Olinda, Brazil

The northeast coastline of Brazil is justly famed for its lavish beaches and eclectic food, attracting large numbers of visitors from home and across the world. But there are some historic colonial-era towns worth seeking out, too. Notably the cities of Salvador (in the state of Bahia) and Olinda (in Pernambuco).

The latter’s historic centre is arguably one of the best-preserved of all of Brazil’s colonial-era gems. All cobblestones, red-roofed buildings, Baroque churches and colourful street art. Indeed, it has a distinct artsy side that makes it an attractive destination for lovers of street music, boutique art galleries and (especially) its annual Carnaval. 

Olinda was founded by the Portuguese in 1535 on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its importance to the region grew on account of it being the entry point for slaves imported from Africa to forcibly work in the surrounding sugar plantations of Pernambuco. 

However, having been burned to the ground by the invading Dutch 100 years later, the city was reconstructed by the Portuguese during the late-17th and 18th centuries. And it’s those grand buildings, gardens and cobbled streets that are mainly on show today. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).