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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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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).
Showing 1-4 of 4 results
