Jan 3, 2012

Brazil: its history, summarized, and a few of its architectural highlights

Recife, in Northeastern Brazil

by Alexandra Forbes

The Portuguese admiral Pedro Álvares Cabral discovered Brazil by accident in 1500. His fleet had set out in search of Indian spices, but favorable winds pushed them towards an exuberant and unknown land. They dropped anchor in the palm-lined bay of Porto Seguro, in what is today the southern part of the state of Bahia. There are still signs of their arrival: the first whitewashed churches in Porto Seguro and in the neighboring Arraial d’Ajuda attract curious tourists to this day.

The Portuguese organized their new territory into two captaincies (the administrative order of the time) – Pernambuco, north of Bahia, and São Vicente, in what is now the state of São Paulo – and they flourished. Pernambuco in particular grew and prospered thanks to the sugar trade, and soon the colony’s de facto capital was Olinda – Pernambuco’s main city, perched on a hill for protection. Its highest point is home to the São Salvador do Mundo church, better known as Alto da Sé. Built in 1537 as a testament to the wealth of the sugar magnates, this ornate church was adorned with an intricate design of gold leaf and painted tiles. Even today, the church and its surroundings are the nucleus of Olinda’s tourist hub.

Recife's Capela Dourada


The nearby village of Recife boasted deeper waters and a better port, so it soon surpassed Olinda as Brazil’s most prominent city. As Recife’s prosperity grew, the local churches became more luxurious. The Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel) was opened to the public in 1697, taking its name from the tremendous quantity of gold that covers its complex wooden engravings. The chapel is part of the Santo Antônio convent and remains one of the city’s most glorious legacies from this period.

Salvador's Elevador Lacerda


But back to Bahia, where a Portuguese king eventually declared the region’s principal city, Salvador, to be capital of the colony. Salvador da Bahia flourished as a result, becoming the most important city in Brazil. Many of its buildings and churches date back to the 17th century and are concentrated in the historic Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa, the two levels of the city that since 1872 have been connected by the famous Lacerda Elevator.

After Brazil had been established as a major exporter of sugar, and later coffee and gold, the Portuguese colonists began to expand through the rest of the country. Much of the country’s architectural riches from these days can be found in cities like Paraty and Rio de Janeiro, as well as in the mountain cities of Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and Mariana, heart of the gold rush.

Paraty, near Rio


Strangely, São Paulo, the undisputed financial and cultural capital of the country, has its origins in poverty and neglect. Wealthy industrialists didn’t build large mansions on Avenida Paulista until the early 20th century. Only a few of these palaces have survived, but the avenue remains a symbol of the city’s economic dominance. The most iconic structure is the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP). A large box of glass and cement, held aloft by red pillars, this building was designed by renowned architect Lina Bo Bardi and is an essential stop for any tourist.

MASP Museum in São Paulo


Around the time when the MASP was constructed, in the 1950s and 60s, São Paulo also enjoyed an architectural boom thanks to the work of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Known primarily for Brasilia, the current capital of the country, Niemeyer’s buildings in São Paulo are just as extraordinary and, most importantly, are easily accessible to most travelers. They include the spectacular Auditório Ibirapuera, the OCA exhibition center and the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM), which are all located in Ibirapuera Park, as well as the city’s architectural landmark, the COPAN, in the city’s downtown.
It’s ironic that São Paulo, once known as a gray and industrial city, now possesses some of Brazil’s greatest architectural gems.

In fact, the country’s 500 years of history are most evident the largest cities, like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Each chapter, from the sugar and coffee eras to the discovery of gold, from independence to industrialization and now globalization, has left indelible marks on the urban tapestry. Each new wave of visitors – the Portuguese, African slaves and immigrants from Europe and Japan – has led to new neighborhoods and new architectural styles. The Portuguese may have imposed their tastes and customs over the first two centuries, but today the sheer variety of Brazil’s cities reveals the diversity of its people. In

Olinda


Iglesia de São Salvador do Mundo
Alto da Sé
www.embratur.gov.br

São Paulo

Museu de Arte de São Paulo, Masp
Av. Paulista 1578
Admission: US$8.50
www.masp.art.br

Auditório Ibirapuera
Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, (no address number) – Portão 2
Tel. 55-11-3629-1075
www.auditorioibirapuera.com.br

Oca
Parque do Ibirapuera, portão 1 y 2 – (no address number)
MAM
Parque do Ibirapuera, portão 3 – (no address number)
Admission: US$3.50
www.mam.org.br

COPAN
Av. Ipiranga 200, downtown
www.copansp.com.br

Recife

Capela Dourada
Rua Imperador Dom Pedro II, 206
www.embratur.gov.br
Salvador da Bahia
www.bahia.com.br/motix/pt_br

8 comments:

  1. Overlooked part of Brazil for the luxury holidaymaker is Sao Paulo. Due to its increasing economic power and status as the capital of modern Brazilian culture Sao Paulo is an exciting place to visit as part of a luxury holiday to Brazil.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good post, it shows the country has a very rich history with diverse people. I think a lot of people don't consider São Paulo as a place to visit on their vacation to Brazil. Rio is the place where most associate their images and stereotypes of Brazil, even though São Paulo is much bigger. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed the pictures, especially the chapel.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
    mensagens de amizade
    mensagens de aniversario
    mensagens de amor
    frases para aniversario
    mensagens para aniversario
    mensagens para refletir

    ReplyDelete
  4. I traveld between Paraty and Ilha Grande so easy with http://www.transferparatyilhagrande.com/ takes just 1h 30m instead of the trafic jams you get by going first with car then by ferriy, higly recomend there service

    ReplyDelete
  5. Its really amazing blog..Thanks for sharing this blog..

    Brazil Holidays 2015

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Trekking in Nepal is part of world excellent journey. Natures to renew one’s own self regard, to relive oneself, to realize Nepal beauty of Treks Himalaya, to interact with its generous, friendly peoples are highlights of trekking in Nepal. Trekking is one long term activity that draws repeat visitors. Nepal is final purpose for trekking offers numerous options walking excursion to meet snowy peaks, their foot hills, valleys but however there is amazing for each who hope trek in Nepal hill, mountain area.

    Acute Trek Pvt. Ltd. an indoor outdoor trekking and tours operative company takes you that further way to guarantee you has an unforgettable adventure that you have been dream of. Benefit, of course there is the Acute trek part of choice. We have your choose of trekking for 3 days or 30 or more days it depending of your timetable, sleep under lodges or tent. We always respect our duty to constantly your holiday satisfaction in Nepal.

    We specialize in organize Nepal travel activities excursion such as:- Trekking, Helicopter Tour, Peak Climbing, Mountain Flight, Honeymoon Tour, Sightseeing, Rafting, Jungle Safari, Pilgrim’s Tour, Hotel Reservation, Air Ticket, Tibet and Bhutan Tour many more your vacation desire.

    We dedicated ourselves to take each step essential to provide you and skill you will dotingly look back upon not kind what it cost you, as you will be recurring a wealthier person full of reminiscences. We, trekking and tours company in Nepal that is very believable, responsible and fully offers personage, group, tailored travel and trekking excursions in Nepal.

    Further information contact below:-

    Acute Trek Pvt. Ltd.
    P.O. Box : 23044, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
    Office Phone: +97714700422
    Mobile Phone: +9779841433205
    guidenepal@gmail.com
    http://www.trekshimalaya.com
    http://www.tourstrekkinginnepal.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very good post.
    All the ways that you suggested for find a new post was very good.
    will help you more:
    restaurante em Pirenopolis

    ReplyDelete