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 Recife
is known as the 'Brazilian Venice' because of its many canals and waterways
and the innumerable bridges that span them. It is the major gateway
to the Northeast with regular flights to all major cities in Brazil as
well as Lisbon, London, Frankfurt and Paris. Recife is the capital
of the state of Pernambuco and is located 160 miles from Maceió
and 519 miles from Salvador.
The name “Recife” comes from the barrier reef ("arrecife" in Portuguese) that protects the city's beautiful beaches such as Pina and Boa Viagem, the most sophisticated of Recife's beaches with its luxurious homes and buildings and fine hotels and restaurants.
Recife is also an
important center of culture and folklore. It is famous for its music and
rhythms ("frevo", "maracatu" and ”xaxado"), its festivals ("bacamarteiros"
and “cavalhada” ), its folklore celebrations ("reisado", "bumba-meu-boi"
and “xangô”) and its arts and crafts. Of course, Recife has
many points of historical interest. There are many churches such as Saint
Francis of Assisi Church (1612), Sao Pedro dos Clérigos (1782) with
its carved, wooden façade, Conceição dos Militares
with its 17th-century murals depicting the Battle
There are also important historical locations around Recife; In Igarassu ( 19 miles from Recife) and Jaboatão (10 miles from Recife). The latter was the side of the Battle of Guararapes when the Dutch where driven from Pernambuco. Our lady of Prazeres Church marks the spot where the 30-year occupation was ended.
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International
cuisine is available as well as succulent fish dishes typical of the region.
Fresh coconut water is available practically anywhere in Recife,
straight from the shell. Just beyond is Piedade Beach, and farther out,
the unspoiled beaches of Tamandaré, São José
da Coroa Grande, Maria Farinha and Porto de Galinhas. They say the sun
shines brighter in Recife than anywhere else, and Recife's beaches are
undoubtedly among the loveliest in the Northeast. Especially pleasant
are the pools of warm, clear waters that often form along the sands due
to the action of the waves and tide. Porto de Galinhas Beach is indeed
very beautiful.
Olinda
- Is a small, charming town built on low hills just to miles from
Recife. Its architecture is a fascinating portrait of Brazil's
colonial period. Mansions that once belonged to plantation owner
stand beside centuries-old churches and public building, Olinda was one
of the capital of 17th-century Brazilian culture. Literature, theater,
painting and sculpture.