Sights in Brazil
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Museu do Homem do Nordeste
The Museu do Homem do Nordeste, has anthropological exhibits on Northeastern life ranging from slave chains to Carnaval costumes, with good photos throughout. It's extensive and well done, but was closed for renovations at research time, so check to see if it has reopened.
reviewed
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Praia da Fazendinha
A reasonably attractive beach 16km southwest of Macapá, which has a number of beachside restaurants with good seafood. From Macapá, take a 'Fortaleza' or 'Santana - Vila Fazendinha' bus southbound from the stop on Rua Tiradentes behind Igreja de São José.
reviewed
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Doidão
Cachoeira has maintained a tradition of wood carving with a heavy African flavor. Stop in on the atelier (studio) of one of the best sculptors in town, Doidão, to get a sense of the local style; it operates roughly from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
reviewed
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Louco
Cachoeira has maintained a tradition of wood carving with a heavy African flavor. Stop in on the atelier (studios) of one of the best sculptors in town, Louco, to get a sense of the local style; it operates roughly from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
reviewed
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Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro
This tiny church atop Ladeira da Glória commands lovely views out over Parque do Flamengo and the bay. Considered one of the finest examples of religious colonial architecture in Brazil, the church dates from 1739 and became the favorite of the royal family upon their arrival in 1808. Some of the more fascinating features of the church are its octagonal design, its single tower (through which visitors enter), the elaborately carved altar (attributed to the Brazilian sculptor Mestre Valentim) and its elegant 18th-century tiles.
reviewed
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Horto Florestal State Park
The Horto Florestal state park, 14km east from Capivari, is home to the largest araucária reserve in the state and offers fine walks of varying levels of difficulty. The reception desk, near the trout farm, can supply you with maps.
reviewed
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Museu do Ceará
There are some good exhibits on the state's history and anthropology at the Museu do Ceará, including a display on the four fishermen who sailed from Praia de Iracema to Rio in 1941 to bring their life of 'misery and suffering' to the attention of the Federal Government.
reviewed
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Gruta da Lapinha
The highlight at Gruta da Lapinha is the Véu de Noiva, a crystal formation in the shape of a bride’s veil. At the time of research the cave was closed, with plans to reopen (possibly with modified hours and prices) in December 2010. Phone for the latest info.
reviewed
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Casa da Chica da Silva
The fine colonial mansion known as Casa da Chica da Silva was the home of diamond contractor João Fernandes de Oliveira and his longtime partner, the former slave Chica da Silva. Here it’s possible to get a feeling for the lifestyle of the extravagant mulata.
reviewed
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Praia do Espelho
Rated among Brazil's top-10 beaches, Praia do Espelho is 27km south of Trancoso and 14km north of Caraíva. Protective offshore reefs create calm, warm, transparent waters, while reefs closer to shore create natural pools at low tide. The shore is thick with coconut palms.
reviewed
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Jardim Botânico
In the far south of the city, the Jardim Botânico is a vast, flower-filled expanse, studded with sculpture and crisscrossed by walking paths. The centerpiece glass and metallic greenhouse is more interesting as a decorative showpiece than as a botanical wonder.
reviewed
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Centro de Cultura Popular Domingos Vieira Filho
An impressive 19th-century mansion houses this popular cultural center, with interesting exhibits on Carnaval and São Luís’ Afro-Brazilian cults – especially tambor de mina, a local variant of Candomblé; but there’s no signage so you have no idea what you’re looking at.
reviewed
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E
Catedral Basílica
The Catedral Basílica dates from 1672 and is a marvelous example of Jesuit architecture. The interior is elegant and simple, with marble-covered walls and pillars that emphasize verticality. The sacristy has a beautiful carved jacaranda archway and a painted dome and floor.
reviewed
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Chafariz de São José
Constructed in 1749 by the town council, this beautiful fountain north of Córrego Santo Antônio has three sections: one for drinking, one for washing clothes and one for watering horses. The water comes from a nearby spring, Mãe d’Agua, via an old stone pipeline.
reviewed
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Matriz NS dos Remédios
Matriz NS dos Remédios was built in 1787 on the site of two 17th-century churches. Inside, there is art from past and contemporary local artists. According to legend, the construction of the church was financed by pirate treasure found hidden on Praia da Trindade.
reviewed
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Centro de Cultura Popular Domingos Vieira Filho
An impressive 19th-century mansion houses the Centro de Cultura Popular Domingos Vieira Filho. The Popular Culture Center has very interesting exhibits on Carnaval and São Luís' Afro-Brazilian cults - especially tambor de mina, a local variant of Candomblé.
reviewed
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Museu Histórico e Artístico
In a restored 1836 mansion, the Museu Histórico e Artístico is set out as it might have been in days of yore, displaying all the furnishings, valuables and everyday belongings of an upper-class 19th-century family – including a private theater. It’s very well-done.
reviewed
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Dona Romana
Dona Romana is a local spiritual medium who awaits the end of the world at her home 1.5km north along Hwy TO-280, toward Dianópolis. She will cleanse your spirit in exchange for a bit of pinga (high-proof sugarcane alcohol), then walk you through her fantastic garden.
reviewed
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Solar da Marquesa
Down a narrow side street near the cathedral stands the city's last surviving 18th-century residence, Solar da Marquesa. It is a simple but delightful villa that was once home to a lover of Emperor Dom Pedro I and which now houses a modest museum devoted to the history of the city.
reviewed
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Parque Nacional Serra do Cipó
Parque Nacional Serra do Cipó - forming the heart of Unesco's brand new Serra do Espinhaço Biosphere Reserve - is Belo Horizonte's backyard wilderness area. Its vast mountain and river landscapes lie just 100km from the city center, offering excellent hiking opportunities.
reviewed
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Museu Emílio Goeldi & Parque Zoobotánico
This excellent museum and zoo contains many Amazonian animal species, from manatees and anacondas to jaguars and giant otters, plus an aviary, aquarium and excellent permanent exhibit of artifacts from ancient Amazonian peoples. It’s popular with families on Sundays.
reviewed
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Parque Siqueira Campos
Just off Paulista across from Museu de Arte de São Paulo lies Parque Siqueira Campos, a beautifully designed and maintained park that recreates the Atlantic rainforest that was leveled to build São Paulo. It's a remarkably tranquil refuge just off the city's busiest street.
reviewed
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Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel
The first synagogue in the Americas, Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel, now a Jewish Cultural Center open to visitors, still has a bit of its original 17th-century structure and interesting murals (in Portuguese and English) depicting the role of Jews in Recife’s development.
reviewed
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Parque do Estado
In the southern suburb of Cursino, Parque do Estado is far from the action but worth seeking out if you find yourself craving greenery in cement-heavy Sampa.
The best way to get to the park is by metro to the São Judas station, where you can catch bus. 4742 'Jardim Climax.'
reviewed
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Praça da Liberdade
Praça da Liberdade is the neighborhood's main square and also the location of its metro stop. It hosts an open-air market on Sundays. A short walk south on Rua Galvão Bueno takes you past many Asian shops and restaurants as well as some rather neglected Japanese-style gardens.
reviewed