Building sights in South America
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Old Town
If you're short on time head straight to the old town. It's here that Quito distinguishes itself from all other cities in the world. Be certain to see the Plaza and Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), La Compañía de Jesús and the Museo de Arte Colonial.
With its narrow streets, restored colonial architecture and lively plazas, Quito's Centro Histórico (aka the old town) is a marvel to wander. Built centuries ago by indigenous artisans and laborers, Quito's churches, convents, chapels and monasteries are cast in legend and steeped in history. It's a bustling area, full of yelling street vendors, ambling pedestrians, tooting taxis, b…
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Centro
Rio's bustling commercial district, Centro is a blend of high-rise office buildings with remnants of its grand past still present in looming baroque churches, wide plazas and cobblestone streets.
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City Center
The city center is located on a beach-lined point that reaches into the mouth of the Rio Cachoeira, and is sandwiched between two hills. On the southern side of the s-curving river mouth is the modern neighborhood of Pontal. The best thing to do in Ilhéus is explore the old streets. The center has several old, gargoyled buildings. Lively during the day, the center clears out after dark, making it unsafe to wander.
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Travessa do Comércio
Beautiful two-story colonial townhouses line the narrow cobblestone street of Travessa do Comércio. The archway known as Arco de Teles leading into the area was once a part of an old viaduct running between two buildings. Today, the street contains half a dozen restaurants and drinking spots that open onto the streets. It’s a favorite spot for Cariocas after work.
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Hotel Eden
Take a guided tour of the once-extravagant, now- decaying Hotel Eden, built in 1897, where the guest list included Albert Einstein, the duke of Savoy and several Argentine presidents. Inside the hotel is the Miniature Train Museum, a strangely captivating museum devoted to, you guessed it, very small trains.
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Train Station
The bottle green Train Station, built in 1887, is the restored terminus of the Antofagasta-La Paz railway, from where you'll still see freight trains shuttling their heavy load. It's closed to the public but you can see several old engines and British-style telephone boxes through the western railings.
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Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos
Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos was built in 1725 by and for slaves. Renovated in 1857, the church has gilded wooden altars dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, St Benedict and St John. The pineapple-like chandelier base in the roof is a symbol of prosperity.
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San Luis Train Station
Also stroll over to the handsome former San Luis Train Station for a look at its green corrugated-metal roofs and decorative ironwork dating from 1884. Rumors abound that the bus terminal may be moving here, but so far there's no sign of that happening.
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College of Law
Next to Igreja de São Francisco de Assis is the prestigious College of Law. Founded in 1827 it is Brazil's oldest institution of higher learning, though the current building dates to the early 20th century.
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Estación del Ferrocarril Patagónico
Choo-choo fans can check out the imposing English-designed Estación del Ferrocarril Patagónico, off Av Oneto, built by Yugoslav stonecutters in 1908.
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Santa Casa de Misericórdia
The municipality’s oldest hospital, the Santa Casa de Misericórdia has a pretty chapel (1734) with a painted ceiling, gardens and an ossuary.
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Casa de Ricardo Palma
This house was the home of the Peruvian author Ricardo Palma from 1913 until his death in 1919. A listless tour is included in the price.
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El Obraje
Directly south of the Iglseia Parraquial Nuestra Señora de la Merced, the colonial Jesuit workshops of El Obraje are now a public school.
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Prefeitura
The best thing to do in Ilhéus is explore the old streets. The center has several old, gargoyled buildings such as the Prefeitura.
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French Vice-Consulate Building
Take a stroll by the 19th-century French vice-consulate building, where diamond commerce was negotiated.
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La Rural
Palermo’s La Rural is the venue for many of the city’s bigger events.
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