Tradition and modernity in the capital of Pernambuco

Also known as the "Brazilian Venice", due to its many rivers and canals, Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, is the starting point for those who wish to dive into the beaches, the culture and the history o four State. Past and present, modernity and tradition are blended into the city’s architecture. Two storey houses and art workshops share the scenery with luxurious seaside buildings. Sophisticated restaurants of fine taste competing with very small restaurants of rich regional cuisine.

The city of water and reefs has an international infrastructure and excellent options for leisure and services. Its bridges cross a number of canals and the three main rivers: Capibaribe, Beberibe and Jordão which reflect in their waters the history of the museums, churches, convents and forts. In 1643 the inhabitants of Recife built the first bridge of Latin America, the Maurício de Nassau bridge. Alongside the Capibaribe river another post card attraction can be found: the architectural agglomeration of Rua da Aurora, with its 19th Century mansions. There are various historical monuments all over the city, and any tourist will be fascinated by the old, narrow streets full of history and romanticism.

With each step, new findings and in each corner a little bit of history. Downtown, for example, the visitor will find St. Peter’s Patio, right behind a wall of modern buildings. There you will also find two storey houses, art workshops, handcraft stores and bars where one can find regional dishes and drinks. Then its time to discover other charming places: the Golden Chapel (Capela Dourada), Madre de Deus (Mother of God) Church, Forte das Cinco Pontas, the old penitentiary transformed into a popular handcraft center and the House of Culture, where one can find all kinds of objects and art.