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OLINDA |
| Its rich handicraft, the funny and original carnival and the well preserved colonial buildings make Olinda one synthesis of the Pernambucana and Brazilian culture. Don’t let to visit the ateliês of artists spread by the city. Olinda spreads hills, courtyards, monasteries, public squares, two-store houses, museums and centenary markets among seven hills, one privilege that the nature has given to only others three cities in the world: Rome, Lisbon and San Francisco. It was founded by Duarte Coelho that he arrived to Alto da Sé in 1535, exclaimed: "O! Linda situation to make a ville". In this way, it was born the first capital of Pernambuco, invaded and set on fire by they Dutches in 1630. |
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ATTRACTIONS:
| As an authentic representative of the Portuguese colonial arquitecture, Olinda has countless churches, all built in the pure baroque style. Visit the church of "Sé", built in 1537, and don't miss the opportunity to taste a "Tapioca", local delicacy made of manioc flour and filled with coconut flakes and cheese. From the square in front of the church, enjoy the breathtaking view of Recife. Visit also the "Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia" (Church of Our Lady Full of Mercy), from 1540, the "Mosteiro de São Bento" (Monastery of Saint Bento), built in 1582, and the "Museu de Arte Sacra" (Museum of Sacred Arts), former "Palácio Episcopal" (Bishop's Palace), built in 1676. |
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| What else could we speak about Olinda's carnival? Going up and down hill, dancing and singing, one will find rich and poor people, aged and youngsters, natives and tourists, all bewitched by the sound of the "Frevo", with only one goal: to have fun. The carnival of Olinda is not only popular, as it gives another meaning to this word: nobody has to pay to dance, there are no megastars neither super concerts: the joy comes from Olinda's dwellers, from their will to celebrate carnival. "Elefante", "Pitombeiras", "Siri na Lata", "Balança a Rolha", "A Porta", "Bloco da Saudade", "Eu Acho É Pouco", "Segura a Coisa", "Bacalhau do Batata", does not matter which carnival team you will follow. By the way, try to support all of them. And the giant street dolls? There are several options: O Homem da Meia Noite (the man of midnight), A Mulher da Tarde (the woman of the afternoon), O Menino do Dia (the boy of the morning), besides the new ones, created every year, so dynamic is the carnival of Olinda. The right mood to take part of this party is guaranteed by the "Retetel" the "Pau do Índio", heavy local drinks, allegedly capable of reviving corpses. But don't forget to keep yourself hydrated with lots of coconut water and sugar cane juice: be sure, Olinda's carnival is really hot!! |
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