Sights in São Luís
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A
Casa do Nhôzinho
At the eclectic and fascinating Casa do Nhôzinho, you can see a collection of ingenious fish traps, a room of Maranhão índio (indigenous) artisanry, a great range of textiles and baskets made from cotton and the buriti palm, and hosts of colorful, delicate Bumba Meu Boi figurines made by the 20th-century master artisan Mestre Nhôzinho.
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Praia de Calhau
The best local beach, Praia de Calhau , is broad and attractive, with hard-packed sand perfect for soccer games. It is popular on weekends. The large circular barracas along the beach cater to late-night partiers throughout the week. The calm far end of the beach is known as Praia do Caolho.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Solar Dos Vasconcelos
This recently-restored 19th-century mansion, the Solar Dos Vasconcelos, houses the Memorial do Centro Histórico, with models and before-and-after photos of some of the outstanding restoration works, plus a display on traditional boats of Maranhão.
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Museu do Negro
In this building that once housed a slave market (notice the absence of windows), the Museu do Negro exhibits relics of slavery including a replica whipping-post, and a striking collection of wood carvings and statuettes from West Africa.
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Casa do Maranhão
Inside a gigantic converted warehouse, the Casa do Maranhão houses a comprehensive exhibit on the different regional flavors of Bumba Meu Boi, with guided tours in Portuguese. The ground floor has videos on Maranhão's main tourist attractions.
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H
Palácio dos Leões
The Palácio dos Leões is the governor’s palace, built in the 18th century on the site of the original French fort; the quick guided tour reveals a wealth of valuable antique furnishings and art, mostly French from later eras.
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Memorial do Centro Histórico
This restored 19th-century mansion houses the Memorial do Centro Histórico, with models and before-and-after photos of some of the outstanding restoration works, plus a display on traditional boats of Maranhão.
reviewed
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Palácio de la Ravardière
Next door to the Palácio dos Leões, the Palácio de la Ravardière is the Prefeitura (City Hall) and dates back to 1689. A bust of São Luís’ French founder, Daniel de la Touche, stands before it.
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K
Igreja da Sé
The 17th-century cathedral, the Igreja da Sé looks along Av Dom Pedro II from its top end. Inside are ceiling frescoes decorated with babaçu motifs and a fine baroque altar.
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Praia Ponta D'Areia
Praia Ponta D'Areia is the closest beach to the center and is the busiest, with bars and restaurants for beach food. It can be polluted.
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Praia São Marcos
Two kilometers past Praia Ponta D'Areia, Praia São Marcos is frequented by younger groups and popular with surfers.
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Praia Araçagi
Praia Araçagi is spacious and enjoyable, with a lighthouse, bars, restaurants and more good surfing waves.
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Museu de Artes Visuais
There’s a fine collection of old azulejos, engravings and paintings at this Visual Arts Museum.
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Avenida Dom Pedro II
The long, handsome plaza known as Avenida Dom Pedro II is lined with important and historic buildings.
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Praia Olho d'Água
Praia Olho d'Água has plenty of houses and kiosks and is backed by cliffs and dunes.
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Casa do Maranhão
Inside a gigantic converted warehouse, the Casa do Maranhão houses a comprehensive exhibit on the different regional flavors of Bumba Meu Boi, with guided tours in Portuguese. The ground floor has videos on Maranhão's main tourist attractions.
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