Showing 1-7 of 7 results
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Estação das Docas
An ambitious renovation project converted three down-at-heel riverfront warehouses into this attractive commercial center. Estação das Docas now houses restaurants, artsy shops, a small theater, plus a post office and plenty of ATMs. The waterfront promenade is lined with attractive yellow cranes, reminders of Belém's port-town roots. Come here for great river views during the day and live music at night.
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Forte do Castelo
Founded in 1616, Forte do Castelo was intended to protect Portuguese interests upriver against incursions by the French and Dutch. Refurbished in 2001, today it houses a small but excellent museum, primarily about Parás indigenous communities. There are great views of the city and Amazon river from atop the fort's thick stone walls.
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Mercado Ver-o-Peso
A symbol of the city, this waterfront market's name comes from colonial times, when the Portuguese would ver o peso (check the weight) of merchandise in order to impose taxes. The market's four-turreted iron structure is known, aptly enough, as the Mercado do Ferro. It was brought over in parts from Britain, and assembled and inaugurated in 1901. A profile of the turrets is commonly used as a symbol of Belém.
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Museu de Arte Sacra
The excellent Museu de Arte Sacra consists of the Igreja do Santo Alexandre and the adjoining Palâcio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace), both recently restored. Santo Alexandre was Belém's first church, founded by Jesuits in the early 17th century. The church nave contains brilliant sculpture and detailing, virtually all done by indentured Indians using plaster and local red cedar.
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Museu Emílio Goeldi & Parque Zoobotánico
The best museum and zoo in Belém contains many Amazonian species, manatees and anacondas, jaguars and giant otters. There's also an aviary, aquarium and excellent permanent exhibit of artifacts from ancient Amazonian peoples. The complex is divided into three areas, the outdoor park, aquarium and permanent exhibit - tickets to each are sold separately. It's definitely worth visiting all three.
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Palácio Antonio Lemos & MABE
This rubber-boom palace served as the city hall between 1860 and 1883. By the early 1990s the palace was virtually abandoned, with animals roaming around inside, but it underwent renovation and once again houses the municipal government headquarters as well as the Museo de Arte de Belém (MABE).
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Theatro da Paz
One of Belém's finest buildings, the Theatro da Paz was constructed between 1869 and 1874. Built in neoclassical style, the architecture has all the sumptuous trappings of the rubber-boom era: columns, busts, crystal mirrors and an interior decorated in Italian theatrical style. The theater has hosted Brazilian and international stars ranging from Anna Pavlova to the Vienna Boys' Choir to the Cossacks.
Showing 1-7 of 7 results
