Recife, Brazil’s “Venice,” is being explored.
Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil, was founded in 1537 and is one of the most memorable destinations for visitors to this South American country.
Recife is made up of two main islands and several small islands that are linked by 49 bridges, the majority of which were built during the Dutch colonial period. Recife’s two winding rivers, Capiraribe and Jaguaribe, bend and divide neighborhoods in the city center, earning it the nickname “Venice Brazil.”
Recife’s annual carnival, like Venice’s, is very exciting and appealing. Furthermore, the old town with many buildings bearing traces of history, the waterways system leading to the sights, landmarks, and attractions… have all contributed to Recife’s allure. Similarly, cruise ships are a popular type of tourism in Recife, bringing visitors to relax between the canals interwoven between the streets and the wild mangrove forests.
The square that has always resounded ‘frevo’ rhythm, traditional art with a fast tempo and strong rhythm that combines different genres of music and dances of Brazil, is located in the center of Recife Antigo old town, opposite the church of Sao Pedro dos Clerigos. Every evening or weekend, Recife residents and many artists come here to relax and find inspiration.
When in Recife, don’t miss out on exploring Bom Jesus, one of the oldest streets in the old town of Recife, characterized by house blocks with colorfully brightly painted front halls and frequently hosting bustling markets. Also, look for at the Aurora street with its lovely house blocks reflected in the Capibaribe canal, the Forte das Cinco Pontas fortress, or the craft art workshops housed in an old prison.
Porto de Galinhas has one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can take surfing lessons if you want to try your hand at surfing the waves. Coral reefs, in particular, protect the shorelines by creating turquoise-colored natural swimming pools at low tide and being completely covered when the tide rises.
If you want to see how the locals live, go to Avenue Boa Viagem, which is opposite the beach and has a large number of restaurants, bars, and hotels. When night falls, take the road that runs along the white sand beach.
The nonprofit private cultural complex Francisco Brennand Institute, located 11 kilometers west of the city center, is a must-see for visitors. It was once a brick factory in the Brennand family’s primeval forest, a wealthy landowner who brings an artist’s soul to Varzeas street outside the city.
The overall architecture of the building is reminiscent of a medieval castle surrounded by vegetation, and it houses a museum, an art gallery, a library, and a large park. The outdoor gallery area houses nearly 2,000 human and object sculptures, while the indoor gallery area houses paintings and other items.
However, the beautiful beaches and unique architectures only contribute a small part to Recife’s charm; the street festival is the city’s most impressive highlight. With over 1.5 million participants, the city’s streets become extremely lively and colorful on the occasion of the festival. If you miss the annual spring Carnival festival, come to Recife in September to watch the world-famous Refeno boat race.
