Discover Olinda, Brazil's UNESCO-listed city

Discover Olinda’s rich cultural history and the economic pillar of the colonial Brazil

Olinda was founded by the Portuguese around 1535 on the hills overlooking the Atlantic, from where they could see ships arriving from Europe or Africa.

It has a particular charm that enchants the visitor. Legend has it that it got its name from the first settlers who cried out “O Linda!” or “what a beauty!” when discovering its idyllic landscape.

Right from the sixteenth century, Olinda became one of the most prosperous cities in the Northeast thanks to its sugar industry. As with other Brazilian cities, its cultural and architectural growth, linked to the exploitation of sugar cane, attracted artists from all walks of life. They created a city center of wealth and splendor that has stood the test of time.

On this Recife and Olinda tour, you will discover the vibrant and colorful colonial architecture along the narrow cobbled streets that wind down to the sea. Visit the Santa Isabel theatre or the numerous baroque churches, including the Alto da Sé Cathedral and the Convento de São Francisco, with their splendid Portuguese, Italian and Spanish architecture. Finally, you can stroll around the São Jose market with its array of intense colors in a town where tropical vegetation meets the blue ocean.

Olinda, a serenely beautiful city that pulses to the crazy rhythm of carnival!

The architectural splendors of the historic center take on a particular image during the Carnival, which is quite different from the one in Rio, but no less popular.

Whereas in Rio there is a very formal parade in the Sambodrome, Olinda celebrates to the rhythm of the blocos. These carnival groups parade through the narrow streets followed by the crowd of “Folioes,” these are what the people who dress up and participate in the festivities are called.

If you come to enjoy these few days when the party is in full swing throughout Brazil, do not miss the “bonecos” parades, these giant papier-mâché puppets, that are a tradition in Olinda and recognized as an example of true Nordeste heritage.

Finally, do not miss the famous “Galo da Madrugada” the largest bloco in the world! Following its procession, you will discover “Frevo”, a musical style from the nearby city of Recife, so furious that even samba seems slow in comparison. This is typical Olinda carnival music, which you will recognize from the feverish rhythm of drums and percussion. The Maracatu dance invokes the subversive aspect of the days of slavery. The parade, a mixture of music and dance evokes the ancestral lands of Africa.

The heritage of Pernambuco on your Recife and Olinda tour 

The colorful character of Olinda’s culture extends throughout the Pernambuco region, as far as Recife, its twin city, which was founded in 1537 from a simple fishing port.

It became the regional capital 300 years later, thanks to its large port which gave it a more strategic position for maritime trade.

Nicknamed the “Brazilian Venice” because it has three islands and peninsulas, it will charm you with its canals and channels that form the Capibaribe river. During your guided tour, you will explore these islands that form the historic heart of the city.