Sights in Olinda
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A
Museu de Arte Sacra de Pernambuco
This museum is housed in Olinda’s former Episcopal Palace, built in 1676. It was closed for restorations during our visit, but it normally contains a good collection of sacred art and a photographic homage to the city. Along the street, the Igreja da Misericórdia, built in 1540, has fine azulejos and gilded carvings, but was closed for restorations during our visit.
reviewed
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B
Igreja da Sé
The imposing Igreja da Sé was originally built in 1537. Burnt in 1631, it has been reconstructed four times since, most recently from 1974 to 1984 in a Mannerist style that attempts to re-create the original 16th-century look. Check the touching inscription in simple Portuguese on the wooden door to the left inside the entrance. It is located atop Alto da Sé (Cathedral Heights).
reviewed
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C
Mosteiro de São Bento
Built in 1582, the huge Mosteiro de São Bento has some exceptional woodcarving in its church. Brazil’s first law school was housed here for 24 years. The monastery celebrates mass complete with Gregorian chants at 6am daily and 10am and 6pm Sunday. To arrive here, follow Av 10 de Novembro to Praça Monsegnor Fabrici and turn left on Rua São Bento.
reviewed
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D
Museu do Mamulengo
This museum has a unique and surprisingly interesting collection of over 1000 pieces devoted to the traveling puppet shows called Mamulengos, an authentic popular tradition of the North-east.
reviewed
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E
Convento de São Francisco
This is a large structure containing the 16th-century Igreja NS das Neves and two later chapels, with rich baroque detailing and lovely azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles).
reviewed
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F
Igreja NS do Rosário dos Homens Pretos de Olinda
This church was built by an African brotherhood in the 17th century. Frescoes painted by slaves were revealed here during a recent restoration.
reviewed
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G
Museu de Arte Contemporânea
This museum is recommended for both its permanent and temporary exhibits. It’s housed in an 18th-century Inquisition jail.
reviewed
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H
Igreja NS do Amparo
Head down Rua Saldanha Marinho to look at the restored 1613 Igreja NS do Amparo.
reviewed
