Brazil landmarks
Brazil is a country whose culture has evolved under the influence of Portuguese and African traditions. Latin American roots are also strongly felt in historical development. The diversity of cultures directly affected the formation of the tourist infrastructure, therefore, trips around the country promise a lot of enchanting impressions. These can include attending carnivals and festivals, visiting cultural centers or religious sites. The sights of Brazil are extremely diverse: they are architectural monuments, museums, and famous sambodromes. Excursions are conducted by highly qualified specialists familiar with the history and culture of the country. They will replenish the baggage of tourists' knowledge with fascinating stories and answer any question of interest.
What to see in Brazil first of all
2. Waterfall "Adam and Eve" ("Iguazu")
Waterfall "Adam and Eve" on the Iguazu RiverThe complex of waterfalls became a UNESCO heritage site in the 80s of the last century. Adam and Eve is located in Iguazu Park next to Bossetti Falls.
The waterfall "Adam and Eve" is especially beautiful on a sunny day, when millions of splashes reflect rays, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. At the same time, the spray cloud itself rises several meters - the force of the falling water flow is so great. There are solid observation platforms for tourists.
3. Bird Park (Foz do Iguacu)
Parrot toucan in the bird parkThe municipality of Foz do Iguacu is home to the Bird Park. It covers an area of 17 hectares. According to the plan of the organizers, the birds live here in their natural habitat. Places where birds gather are surrounded by nets. Tourists have the opportunity to go inside the enclosures and admire the birds in their natural environment.
All the birds that live in Brazil can be seen in the park. Experts have counted about 900 species. The bird park was founded not only for tourists. Research works are constantly carried out here, the purpose of which is to create optimal conditions for the preservation of especially rare breeds. In addition to birds, you can see exotic butterflies in the park, striking in their brightness. In addition, crocodiles and snakes can be found here.
As for flowering and evergreen plants, their freshness and beauty are provided with special care. The air is filled with aromas of freshness. You can enjoy this attraction in Brazil as part of an organized excursion.
4. Wanda Mines (Puerto Iguazu)
View of the Wanda minesThe mine is located near the city of Puerto Iguazu. This is an extensive deposit of semi-precious stones. If you are wondering what to visit in Brazil, the Wanda Mine is a good option for replenishing your experience. The mine is named after the Polish princess Wanda. A unique field was discovered in 1976.
The mine is rich in minerals. Here, in particular, agate, topaz, rock crystal, quartz and some others are mined. Most of the semi-precious stones mined in the mine are raw materials for jewelry production. To attract tourists, there are several special shops nearby that sell jewelry with minerals and stones mined here.
The process of extraction of stones will be no less interesting for tourists. During the tour, you can see their variety. The guides tell interestingly how many forms of stones are found here, as well as what colors prevail in them.
5. Pantanal (Mato Grosso do Sul)
Water lilies in the ecological paradise PantanalIn the western part of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, there is a picturesque tectonic depression. Pantanal means "wet lowland". There are very few such large wetlands on the planet. The approximate area is 195,000 square kilometers.
During the flood season, the Pantanal turns into a beautiful lake. However, winter droughts set in, and an overgrown swamp and sandbanks appear in the place of the lake. In addition, during the winter droughts, grassy areas and wandering river beds can be seen here. At the same time, the flora is extremely diverse here, which allows the Pantanal to be attributed to the natural attractions of Brazil.
650 bird species and more than 50 reptile species have been recorded here. The flora is represented by 3,500 plant species. This is a protected natural area that has been declared a UNESCO site. On three sides, the Pantanal is sharply bounded by precipices and gorges of the plateau. The relief here is as contrasting as the weather conditions.
Check out the beautiful places in Brazil in this great video!
6. "The Devil's Throat"
Bird's-eye view of the Devil's Throat waterfallThere is a unique complex of waterfalls on the Iguazu River. There are 275 of them here. The most impressive is the 700-meter ledge, which has a horseshoe shape. Devil's Throat Falls is made up of 14 streams of water that continuously descend from 350 feet.
The waterfall is in a huge cloud of spray sparkling in the sun. The "Devil's Throat" was opened for the Western world in 1541 by the famous traveler Eldorado Cabeza de Vaca. The strength and power of the waterfall will be of interest to those who are thinking of what to see in Brazil. The observation platforms here are very solid, there is no danger for tourists. Multi-stage platforms stretch for many kilometers, which makes it possible to admire this Brazilian landmark at any time.
History has kept a rave review E. Roosevelt that was stunned by the majestic picture of the waterfall. Seeing him, Eleanor said in shock: "Pathetic Niagara." It is better to observe the waterfall from a helicopter when all the streams of water are open in one panorama.
7. Mountain "Sugarloaf" (Rio de Janeiro)
Cable car to SugarloafThe mountain is 396 meters high. It rises majestically over Guanabara Bay and is a natural landmark in Brazil. The unusual shape of the mountain is the reason for the original name. Locals call it Pan-di-Asukar, which means “sugar loaf”. What caused such an unusual shape of the mountain?
It turns out that intrusive igneous rocks have been weathered here for centuries. There is practically no vegetation on the slopes of the mountain. From the outside, she looks stern and ascetic. The first settlement at the foot of the mountain was established in 1565. It was here that Rio de Janeiro was later founded.
In 1817, the British flag appeared on the top of Sugar Mountain. It was hoisted by the English nurse Henrietta Carstairs. This was the first ascent of the mountain. And already in 1912 a cable car appeared here. It is still available to travelers.
Anyone who is thinking about what to see in Brazil will be interested in taking the cable car up to Sugar Mountain with three stops: Praia Vermelha, Urca and the top of Pan di Asucar. At the same time, on Mount Urka, you can admire the amphitheater. The Concha Verde concert complex in Urca often hosts dance shows, which are so popular in Brazil.
8. Amazon rainforest
Evergreen forests of the AmazonBrazil's natural attractions include the Amazon forests. They have a second name - Amazon, which is more common in Brazil. These are deciduous forests with high humidity. The Amazon is located in the basin of the river of the same name. Powerful evergreen forests cover an area of 5.5 million square kilometers.
This is 50% of the area of all the rainforests on the planet. The Amazon extends over the territory of 9 states, including Brazil. The biological diversity of humid forests invariably attracts travelers and tourists.
Currently, 40,000 plant species and 3,000 fish species have been described, but scientists tend to believe that this is not complete data. The fauna of the Amazon is also rich, and the tropical deciduous forests are home to many predators that pose a serious danger to humans. Among them are the jaguar and the caiman. In addition, there are many poisonous snakes in tropical forests, so independent travel is undesirable here.
Unfortunately, the Amazonian forests are shrinking rapidly. There are statistics according to which from 1991 to 2004 alone, the forest area decreased by more than 400,000 square kilometers. The felling is carried out haphazardly, the state is not always able to control this process.
The reason for the felling is the clearing of the territory for agriculture. However, at present, the situation has somewhat improved, since Greenpeace and many public organizations have actively joined in the conservation of tropical forests.
9. Pedra Pintada (State of Roraima)
Rocky Formation "Painted Stone"The Brazilian state of Roraima is home to an amazing rock formation. Translated, the name Pedra Pintada reads like "painted stone". From the outside, it looks multi-colored, with vertical light stripes prevailing in color on a dark background. The rock extends upwards for 35 m. It is located above sea level at an altitude of 83 meters.
Tourists have a lot to see in Brazil. Inside the "painted stone" there is a cave with rock paintings. Once upon a time, ancient tribes lived here, who left their descendants with stone axes and many ceramic dishes. It should be noted that tourists do not always have the opportunity to get into this cave. The fact is that Pedra Pintada ("painted stone") is located on the territory of the Indian reservation.
The Indians are jealous of this Brazilian attraction, which is located on their lands. For tourist or other purposes, entering the cave is possible only with the permission of the FUNAI National Fund of Indians. Once permission is granted, travelers are guaranteed a thrilling experience. After all, the rock paintings inside the cave are made with bright pink and white paint.
10. Ibirapuera Park (Sao Paulo)
Bandeiras Monument dedicated to the European pioneers of BrazilThinking of what to see in Brazil? Of course, Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo. It covers an area of 140 hectares. The park was founded in 1954. It was opened in honor of the 400th anniversary of Sao Paulo. The author of the landscape project was Roberto Burle Marx, and the buildings located in the park were designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Tourists are always delighted not only by the park vegetation, but also by its very structure. In fact, it is a small kingdom with palaces, lakes and forests. The largest lake is located at the entrance to the park. White and black swans sway on its waters. Well-fed geese and ducks swim nearby. One of the pleasures for visitors to the park was the opportunity to feed them.
Birds are accustomed to treats and swim close to people. The lake has multi-colored fountains with moving streams. The vegetation is very diverse here. For example, the park has Japanese gardens and spreading palm groves. In fact, all the nature of the southeastern part of Brazil is represented here. The structure of the park is thought out in such a way that the buildings fit organically into the landscape.
Therefore, the park as a whole gives the impression of complete harmony. Among the iconic monuments is the monument to Pedro lvarez Cabral, who is the first European to reach the coast of Brazil. The park looks very romantic, so dating is often done here. You cannot assume that the sights of Brazil have been visited if you have not met this beautiful place.
Attractions in Brazil: what else to visit while in Brazil
Continuing to look at interesting places, let's talk about those that attract equally tourists and locals. It is most convenient if you are accompanied by professionals who know the optimal time for visiting attractions and other subtleties of organizing excursions.
11. Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro
Alley of the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro All the enchanting variety of Brazilian flora and fauna is presented in the Botanical Garden. It covers 54 hectares. 6.5 thousand species of plantations are registered here. At the same time, those that are on the verge of extinction are especially appreciated. In addition to rich vegetation, the Botanical Garden contains monuments and architectural structures.
In addition, a scientific center functions on the territory of the Botanical Garden for the systematization and study of vegetation. It has a rich library. The books in it are selected mainly on botanical topics. The year of foundation of the Botanical Garden is 1808. Initially, it was created so that exotic plants imported from other countries could undergo acclimatization.
For this, special conditions were created for them, greenhouses were built. The garden was laid out at the behest of King João VI. It crowns the sights of Brazil and is a national treasure. The Botanical Garden is located to the right of the famous statue of Christ. Since 1992, the Botanical Park in Rio de Janeiro has been declared a UNESCO site. It is currently considered a biosphere reserve.
12. Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro)
Bright Spot Beach in Rio de JaneiroThe Copacabana beach area in Rio de Janeiro stretches for 4 kilometers. Previously, there was a fishing village on this site, which bore the same name. Translated, this word means "bright spot". Copacabana is known for hosting representatives of the art world. Brazilian artists, writers or painters often settled here.
Copacabana reached its peak in the 50s of the last century. Later, wealthy citizens and politicians began to settle in this area. This area is connected with Rio de Janeiro by a tram line.
The founding year of Copacabana is considered to be 1750, when a chapel appeared on this place. Over time, the first settlements began to appear here, which have now turned into an independent suburb of Rio de Janeiro.
In our time, the prestige of Copacabana has significantly decreased due to the fact that illegal business began to flourish here. However, it is in Copacabana that the largest concert venue in Rio de Janeiro is located. The concert of Rod Stewart in 1994 brought together more than 4 million people, which is noted in the Guinness Book of Records. Later, in 2006, a concert took place here with the same incredible success. Rolling Stones, which attracted approximately 2,000,000 spectators. Copacabana still carries the spirit of free creativity.
13. Maracanã Stadium (Rio de Janeiro)
Top view of the Maracanã stadiumBrazil's attractions include sports facilities. These include the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This is the largest football stadium in the country. The famous clubs Flamengo, Fluminense and the Brazilian national team consider it to be their home arena.
The stadium was named after the nearby river. The year of its foundation is 1948. Then Brazil was preparing for the 1950 World Cup. The work was finally completed in 1965. Since then, Maracanã has been considered the main Brazilian stadium.
This is a very spacious site, the stadium holds several attendance records. It is built in the shape of an oval. It is noteworthy that here the playing field is separated from the stands by a moat with water. The purpose of the moat is to drain from the stands. The stadium is located in a tropical rainstorm zone, so the installation of drainage ditches is a functional necessity.
The stadium is open, but along the contour of the stands, a large canopy was also arranged in an oval shape. In 2016, this stadium hosted the grand opening of the Summer Olympic Games. All football matches in the framework of the 2016 Olympics were also held at this stadium.
14. Waterpark Ponta Dunas (Fortaleza)
Ponta Dunas Water Park Extreme SlideFortaleza is home to one of the largest Brazilian water parks. Ponta Dunas is a popular summer attraction for tourists. Countless dizzying attractions attract vacationers here. Slides and extreme descents in streams of water, from which the heart sinks, is a guarantee of the most vivid impressions. Ponta Dunas complements Brazil's attractions . He delights with thoughtful engineering solutions and gushing imagination of the creators.
For example, it is on the territory of this water park that there is a slide, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records. From the outside it is scary to imagine that someone will dare to descend, because the slide reaches the level of a 14-storey building. Nevertheless, the slide is never empty. Dozens of brave daredevils rush from it, who are characterized by the spirit of passion. A fair dose of adrenaline is provided for them!
There is a 40-meter slide nearby, it was built later, so it has not yet been declared for a world record. The descent from it is almost vertical. Surprisingly, it is never empty either. The organizers have provided a system of restrictions for such attractions. Pregnant women and children below one and a half meters cannot ride them.
The territory of Ponta Dunas is huge. Moreover, the height of local attractions allows you to admire the sea, because the water park is located in the coastal strip. Everything is provided for tourists here: from food to places of quiet rest. Cafes and restaurants offer exquisite menus. Tourists tired of extreme pleasures are offered calm and comfortable rooms in the hotel.
Several artificial rivers flow through the park. It has pools of different depths. Moreover, each pool has its own temperature balance. Ponta Dunas is the first of its kind in South America.
15. Gastronomic Museum (El Salvador)
Fish moqueca - traditional Brazilian fish soup GilrovinaWhat to visit in Brazil? For lovers of delicacies, the gastronomic museum in El Salvador is a real find. The exposition here is quite unusual. She is entirely devoted to gastronomic intricacies. Here you can get acquainted with the history of Brazilian cuisine and national customs. The museum was opened in 2006.
In addition to the classic exhibits, you can watch videos. In addition, the guides offer documentary films on the gastronomic peculiarities of Brazil for familiarization. Also among tourists, cutlery dating from different centuries is of constant interest.
There is also a souvenir shop here. And since the exposition tells fascinatingly about food, the local restaurant is never empty. Here you can taste many of the dishes that are described in the museum.
16. Portuguese Royal Library (Rio de Janeiro)
Facade of the Portuguese Royal Library Felipe Restrepo Acosta Interior of the reading room of the Portuguese Royal Library uwephillyAn ancient, very recognizable monumental building can hardly be called simply a library. This is a real temple of science, the grandeur of which is striking both outside and especially inside, when you find yourself in the kingdom of books arranged on amazingly beautiful shelves made of carved wood. In general, absolutely all the interior decoration is made of wood - carved lace from floor to ceiling alternates with thousands of books, and the ceiling space is crowned with a magnificent mosaic, through the colored glass of which light enters the room. The building, decorated in the Manueline style, began to be erected in 1880, and in 1900 the library opened its doors to the general public.
17. Theater Amazonas (Manaus)
View of the Amazonas Theater Karine HermesIn the very center of the Brazilian city of Manaus, there is an opera house - Amazonas, built at the end of the 19th century, during the "rubber fever". The increased demand for rubber once allowed local planters to become rich enough to invite European opera stars. Over time, England was able to establish the production of rubber in its tropical colonies, and with the emergence of a competitor, the Brazilian planters quickly went bankrupt. The theater was abandoned for many years, and only in the 90s of the last century it experienced a new heyday. Today, within its walls, the Amazon Opera Festival is held annually, which attracts thousands of tourists.
18. Museum of Modern Art (Rio de Janeiro)
Museum of Contemporary Art in Flamengo Park in Rio de Janeiro Halley Pacheco de OliveiraThe sights of the capital of Brazil, which to this day is considered Rio de Janeiro, despite the fact that the city lost this status in 1960, include not only historical, but also modern objects. The building of the Museum of Modern Art, which in its shape resembles a flying saucer, is remembered by one of its kind to all visitors. Both the facade and the interior design of the museum are distinguished by their originality. The museum's exposition itself was created as a result of a large-scale cultural and economic upheaval that Brazil experienced after World War II. The collection displays works of contemporary art collected from different countries. These are objects of painting, sculpture, graphics, metal and plastic structures.
19. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro)
Car with dancers at the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Sergio Luiz Inside the Sambadrome at the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Alan BetensleyIf we talk about the national attractions of Brazil, the carnival in Rio is their most striking example. This event can be called one of the most colorful, enchanting, large-scale events in the whole world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people from different countries come to the holiday to personally take part in the celebration. Traditionally, the action takes place in February-March, shortly before Lent according to the Catholic calendar. During the event, representatives of 12 best samba schools demonstrate the skill of incendiary dance, and jury groups located at several points along the route of the carnival procession assess the quality of performance, from dance technique to the type of costumes.
20. City of Ouro Preto (State of Minas Gerais)
Street in the city of Ouro Preto View of the colonial city of Ouro PretoThe ancient city in eastern Brazil was once one of the main hotbeds of the "gold rush" in South America, and a number of unique buildings, most of which were erected in the 18th century and decorated in the colonial baroque style, testify to its importance today. Today the town has become a real open-air museum, and in its historical part, traffic is even blocked. Among all the city buildings, the Catholic Church of Ouro Preto stands out, and a huge number of museums are also concentrated here. No less interesting is the Itakolomi suburban park, in the tropical forests of which you can see wildlife in its pristine beauty.
21. Historic Center of Olinda (State of Pernambuco)
Church of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the historic center of Olinda On the buildings of the historical center of one of the most beautiful Brazilian cities - Olinda, one can read the history of Brazil, dating back to the time of the first Portuguese colonialists. This authentic city in the north-east of the country was founded in the 16th century. At that time, the colonialists settled here, and the city they built flourished for a century. During the raids of the Dutch invaders, it was seriously destroyed, and after a couple of decades the Portuguese power was restored, and new beautiful palaces and rich mansions were erected here - they for the most part survived to our times. The graceful stucco molding, rich gilding and other abundant decor of the facades of these structures still impress with their splendor.
22. Church of San Francisco (El Salvador)
Square and cross in front of the Church of St. Francis in the city of Salvador Rosino Gold products in the interior of the church of San Francisco in the city of Salvador fernando_dallacquaAnother object of historical value, located in the city of El Salvador, is the Church of San Francisco, also built during the era of Portuguese colonial rule. The external, moderately restrained appearance of the building contrasts strongly with its interior decoration, the richness of which is even difficult to describe. Literally the entire temple is covered with gold from the inside, the extraordinary abundance of gilded carvings, paintings and sculptures is impressive - their golden highlights amaze the most sophisticated imagination. It is thanks to this decoration that the temple received its second name - "the golden church". The building itself is decorated in the best traditions of the Brazilian Baroque.
23. Bridge of Octavio Frias de Oliveira (Sao Paulo)
Cruciform pillar of the Octavio Frias de Oliveira bridge on the Pineiros River in São PauloVisiting Sao Paulo , you can see with your own eyes one of the most unusual and modern structures in the country - the Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge. For visitors, it is a unique sight, where you can take original photos, and for local residents it is an important transport artery of the city. The main visual features of the structure are the characteristic X-shaped 138-meter support, the main function of which is to support two levels of the transport highway, as well as 144 powerful cables that hold the transport bed. The construction of the bridge started in 2006, and two years later its grand opening took place.
24. Mount Corcovado (Rio de Janeiro)
The train taking tourists to the top of Corcovado Klaus with KBrazil, whose capital today is the city of Brasilia, still stores the bulk of the sights in its former capital, the city of Rio de Janeiro. One of the symbols of Rio and the whole country is the monumental statue of Christ the Redeemer, thanks to which Mount Corcovado became famous throughout the world - it is on its top that a colossal 40-meter sculpture of the Savior rises. The mountain itself is located in the Tijuca National Park. A specially designed railroad leads to its top - it has a gearing, which is necessary for the safe coupling of the train to the rails on a steep incline. Three trains run regularly along this track, which provide visitors to the mountain with a quick ascent to the top in 20 minutes.
25. Lacerda Lift (El Salvador)
Passenger elevator Lacerda in the city of Salvador krebsmaus07One of the most notable sights of the city of El Salvador is its unusual Lacerda lift, which serves as a public transport. The fact is that the city itself, located on the oceanic coast, has a strong elevation difference, starting from the coast in the interior of the mainland. Therefore, for the convenience of movement, a kind of elevator was created, connecting Cairo Square in the Lower City and Souza Square in the Upper City. It consists of two towers - one contains the elevator cabins, the other, located in the rock, has counterweights. Every day about 28 thousand passengers get from one part of the city to another thanks to the lift.
26. Ipanema Beach (Rio de Janeiro)
Vacationers on the Ipanema beach in the south of Rio de JaneiroA paradise place with a hot southern mentality and a vibrant national flavor - all this is a temperamental Brazil. The sights of Rio de Janeiro delight not only with cultural objects, enchanting holidays, but also with unusually beautiful nature, including beautiful sea beaches. Among them is the romantic Ipanema Beach, a place of exclusive relaxation and contemplation of beautiful views of the sunset. If we compare this place with the first most important beach of Copacabana, it can be noted that Ipanema is distinguished by its calmness and serenity. At the same time, amateurs of entertainment will find here activities to their liking - ideal conditions for surfing are created on the beach, you can play football, volleyball and footvolly.
27. Beaches of El Salvador (El Salvador)
Scenic view of the bay and sandy beach in SalvadorWildlife lovers will certainly love the picturesque, little-known beaches, which can be called some of the most beautiful in Latin America. This is truly a heavenly land - a multi-kilometer stretch of sandy coastline is adjacent to hundreds of palm trees and other abundant vegetation. A small number of campgrounds, a few small restaurants and bars - this is all that can be found from the signs of civilization in these places. But there are excellent opportunities for surfing, other sports, serene swimming in gentle waves, as well as natural pools for a relaxing holiday.
28. Lencois Maranhenses National Park (State of Marjan, Barreirinhas)
Dunes and lagoons of Lencois Maranhensis National ParkFor fans of natural attractions in Brazil, there are many opportunities to contemplate the most dizzying landscapes. Many attractions of Argentina and Brazil are located on the border of these two neighboring countries. These include, for example, the large-scale Iguazu Falls, which have become the property of the two states. Most of the natural objects are located on the territory of reserves. Among such places is the beautiful Lencois Maranhensis National Park, which amazes the imagination with its mysterious nature - its entire territory is covered with white sands, but this is by no means a desert. Heavy rains periodically pass here, forming lagoons of incredible blue, turquoise and green colors between the rows of sand dunes.
29. Serra da Capivara National Park (Piauí State)
Canyon in Serra da Capivara National Park Py4nf Natural beauty of Serra da Capivara National ParkA unique reserve of archaeological sites located in the north-eastern part of the country is the Serra da Capivara National Park. The rocks located on its territory keep numerous evidences of the cultural development of mankind - in their caves you can see unique samples of ancient rock art depicting scenes from the life of prehistoric people. These lands officially became protected in 1979, when a Brazilian woman-archaeologist organized the first excavations here, as a result of which the dwellings and burials of an ancient man were found, as well as jewelry, objects of labor and works of art. To this day, archaeological research continues in this region and new discoveries are made.
30. Fernando de Noronha (State of Pernambuco)
Nice aerial view of the beaches of Fernando de Noronha350 kilometers from the northeastern coast of the country in the Atlantic Ocean is an archipelago of volcanic nature, consisting of 21 islands, and one of them, the largest, gave the name to the entire archipelago. This is the island of Fernando de Noronha, which was once given into the possession of a wealthy Lisbon merchant. The islands of the archipelago have a wonderful, warm tropical climate, with a dry season from August to January. Here you can see several old buildings - for example, a historic church or palace, as well as pusada in the Portuguese colonial style. The island's stunning beaches are ideal for relaxation, diving and sailing.
At the end of 2008, 120 sites in Latin America were added to the UNESCO List, located in 30 countries of the region. Most of them are in Mexico (28), Brazil (16) and Peru (10).
The overwhelming majority (82) of the total number of objects belongs to the category of cultural heritage objects. Chronologically, they cover the period from the second millennium BC to the present day. But for the most part, they represent the periods of the Middle Ages and modern times. Accordingly, they can be subdivided into objects of the pre-Columbian and post-Columbian eras.
The objects of the pre-Columbian era include mainly the heritage of the three already mentioned Latin American civilizations. In Meso-America, these are such world-famous monuments of the Maya Indians as the ruins of the cities of Palenque, Chichen Itza, Uxmal in Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula, Copan in Honduras, as well as the monuments of the time of the Aztecs in Central Mexico (Teotihuacan). They are characterized by such monumental structures as stepped pyramids-teocalli, palaces of rulers, steles, ball courts. Most of them were opened in the 19th century. and now attract numerous tourists. In the Andean region, many objects in Peru belong to the pre-Columbian era (including the famous mysterious geoglyphs of the Nazca desert, fragments of the ancient capital of the Incas of the city of Cuzco), in Colombia (the archaeological parks of San Agustin and Tierradentro), in Bolivia (the archaeological region of Tiwanaku by the lake. Titicaca). With a certain degree of conventionality, another world-famous heritage site can be attributed to the Andean region - the stone statues of Fr. Easter in the Pacific Ocean, described by Thor Heyerdahl and many other travelers and researchers.
The post-Columbian era, associated mainly with the Spanish and Portuguese colonization of Central and South America after the start of the Great Geographical Discoveries, was also widely reflected in the cultural heritage of Latin America (Fig. 243). The objects of this era include mainly cities with a rectangular layout characteristic of Spanish architecture of that time, a central square ("plaza major"), numerous Catholic cathedrals and monasteries, and palaces of the nobility. In the West Indies, for example, the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, associated with the name of Columbus, the old part of Havana with its fortifications in Cuba, in Central America, the historical centers of the cities of Mexico City, Puebla and some others in Mexico, as well as cities and fortresses in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama. Of the Spanish heritage of this era in South America, the most famous are the monuments of Cartagena in Venezuela, Quito in Ecuador, Cuzco in Peru, and the mining town of Potosi in Bolivia. The legacy of the colonial empire of Portugal is widely represented in Brazil (the cities of Salvador, Olinda, Ouro Preto, etc.).
The already mentioned new capital of Brazil - Brasilia, designed and built by Brazilian architects Luis Costa and Oscar Niemeyer, has a symbolic shape of an airplane with a "fuselage" and "wings" among the objects of modern times in the region. This is one of the most ambitious and organic urban planning projects of the 20th century in terms of design and execution.
There are 35 Natural World Heritage Sites in Latin America. These are mainly national parks and reserves. Among them are such famous ones as Iguazu in Brazil and Argentina, Los Glaciares in Argentina, Manu in Peru, Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The ruins of the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala, the Inca mountain fortresses of Machu Picchu and Rio Abisseo in Peru are classified as mixed cultural and natural sites.
The historic center of the beautiful Brazilian city of São Luis was founded by the French in the 17th century. After a while, it was conquered by the Dutch, and then by the Portuguese. But, despite this, the old town managed to preserve its identity.
The architectural composition and rectangular layout emphasize the colonial past of the modern city. Many historical buildings today adorn the ancient streets of San Luis, which in 1997 was named a precious pearl by UNESCO and is included in the list of the great heritage of the planet.
Olinda historic center
The history of the emergence of a colorful settlement, which today is the heart of the beautiful Brazilian city of Olinda, is closely intertwined with the production of sugar from cane. This is evidenced by the architectural composition and layout of the city, founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Two centuries after the total plunder by the Dutch conquerors, the appearance of Olinda was significantly changed.
Ancient buildings, lush gardens, small churches, chapels and monasteries cherish the memory of the outstanding past of the Brazilian city, which in 1982 became one of the world's most magnificent heritage sites.
Historic center of Salvador di Bahia, Brazil
From 1549 to 1763, the old center of today's Salvador di Bahia was the capital of the Brazilian state, as well as a place where the cultures of the peoples of Africa, America and Europeans were closely intertwined.
Already in 1558, the picturesque town turned into a market (the first on the territory of the New World). Here, slaves were sold and bought, who worked on huge sugarcane plantations.
The architectural composition of the old city today is represented by many preserved historical buildings made in the Renaissance style. Multicolored constructions decorated with stucco moldings made of plaster give it a special flavor.
The historic area of the beautiful Salvador di Bahia was listed as one of the world's most amazing heritage in 1985.
Church complex of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, Brazil
The beautiful temple complex, erected in the 18th century Minas Gerais, includes seven chapels, each of which is dedicated to the stops of Christ walking to Calvary and a magnificent church, the interior of which is admirable and awe-inspiring. The church is made in the Rococo style, decorated with granite statues of the prophets, and also equipped with an external staircase.
The outstanding Brazilian sculptor Aleijadinho worked on the decoration of the temple complex, which was included in the UNESCO list of treasures in 1987. His multi-colored creations emphasize the pompous baroque expression and give the constructions an original sound.
Brasilia city, Brazil
Founded in 1956 in the heart of the Brazilian state, its capital, Brasilia, is an interesting urban development site that added in 1987 to the list of the world's great heritage.
The development project was carried out by Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa. As conceived by the masters, each building, from symmetrically located residential buildings to municipal buildings, each element and every detail should overlap with the general idea of the urban planning project. The layout of the amazing city resembles a bird soaring in the sky.
The urban landscapes of the Brazilian capital are represented by colorful buildings, of particular interest among which are the official structures, made with the use of innovative architectural techniques.
Historic Center of Diamantina, Brazil
Surrounded by powerful rocky mountains, the colonial village of Diamantina conveys the atmosphere of the 18th century - the era of desperate diamond miners.
The city included in the list of invaluable heritage (1999) was the personification of the cultural development of a person who lived in extremely unfavorable conditions created by nature.
Pantanal Protected Area, Brazil
Patan is formed by four picturesque natural reserves, the area of which exceeds 187 thousand hectares. An amazing area is located in the western part of the Brazilian state, and also occupies part of the territory of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso.
The Pantanal is the largest wetland on the planet. Cuiaba and Paraguay, the largest rivers in the region, originate here. The protected area, included in the list of the planet's unique heritage in 2000, is replete with a variety of species of animals and pleases with the color of the local fauna.
Historic city center of Goias, Brazil
The historical center of the modern Brazilian town of Goias is the personification of a colonial settlement that developed during the development of the central part of the state over the 18-19 centuries.
The mining past of the city is evidenced by the specifics of its development, adapted to the conditions created by nature. The architectural composition of the old area is formed by modest buildings, erected using traditional construction techniques and materials for the area.
The historic center of the picturesque Brazilian city of Goias was added to the list of the world's most beautiful heritage in 2001.
Campos Cerrado National Parks: Chapada dos Veadeirus and Emas, Brazil
The picturesque landscapes of Campos Cerrado are formed by two beautiful parks, which represent the area of savannah covered with thickets.
The richest flora and diverse fauna of the region is one of the most ancient since the emergence of biosystems of the tropical climatic zone.
In 2001, the protected area was named a priceless treasure by UNESCO.
James Island and related landmarks, Gambia
The stormy waters of the Gambia River wash the shores of the small islet of James Island, which, together with its surrounding attractions, in 2003 added to the list of amazing heritage of our planet.
The fortified area of land is an eloquent illustration of the development of relations between Africans and Europeans, the formation of which took place over hundreds of years, from the pre-colonial era to the period of African independence.
The island keeps the memory of the difficult times of the prosperity of the slave trade and is a witness of its abolition, and the monuments located on its territory clearly confirm the fact of the development of African territory by the European peoples.
Rings of megalith stones in Senegambia, Gambia
An amazing object, included in the list of the world's heritage in 2006, is represented by 93 rings of stones that formed four large-scale complexes in several regions of the Gambia, as well as an impressive number of burial mounds. Many burials have been excavated, thanks to which archaeologists were able to establish that they correspond to a period starting from the 3rd century BC, ending in the 16th century AD. The formation of a sacred landscape, illustrating the life of a well-organized and prosperous community, took place over 1500 years.
The extraction of stones was carried out using tools made of metal. They were hewn out, turning into cylindrical (or multifaceted) pillars, the weight of which reached seven tons, and the height was two meters. Rings formed by 8-14 stones, as a rule, were located near the mounds. The careful handling of the pillars demonstrates the skill of their creators, who have transformed the Gambian landscape for centuries.
This unique archaeological site is just a small part of a large-scale archaeological zone, on the territory of which there are over a thousand monuments of the megalith.
Skellig Michael Island Monastery, Ireland
Erected in the 7th century, the monastery complex rises on the dizzying slopes of the picturesque Skellig Michael Island, located near the Irish coast. This Christian settlement demonstrates the difficult conditions in which the first Irish monks lived.
The island, included in the list of heritage in 1996, has been preserved in almost pristine condition, due to the fact that it has hardly been visited.
Fourth journey(Part 2)
The Federative Republic of Brazil joined the Convention on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1977, and the first Brazilian site was inscribed on the List of such heritage in 1980.
However, in terms of the beginning of the protection of cultural heritage sites of an urban planning scale, Brazil is in one of the first places in the world, since back in 1933. Its most famous historic city, Ouro Preto, was declared a National Monument, where the demolition of old buildings was prohibited and restrictions were imposed on the construction of new ones.
In general, the 1910s are considered the time of origin of activities for the preservation of historical and cultural monuments in Brazil. And in 1937. Laws were passed on organizing the protection of national historical and artistic heritage nationwide, and on the creation of the Service (later - the Secretariat) of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage - SPHAN, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Health (now it is the Institute under the Ministry of Culture - IPHAN). The Institute has an extensive heritage management system with 14 regional superintendents, each of which oversees one to three states, and 19 sub-regional services in areas of greatest concentration of heritage sites.
In total, IPHAN controls more than 16 thousand buildings recognized as monuments, 50 urban centers and ensembles, 5 thousand sites of archaeological heritage, museums, libraries, archives, etc.
Unlike “Spanish America”, many parts of which had a rich immovable cultural heritage dating back to the pre-colonization period, in “Portuguese” Brazil the formation of architecture and cities occurs at a later time (not earlier than the middle of the XYI century) and reflects the combination of three cultural traditions: European (in Portuguese and, in part, Dutch interpretation), African and Indian. In various parts of the country and individual cities, remote from each other hundreds, and sometimes thousands of kilometers, these impacts manifested themselves in different proportions. As a result, at an early stage of the country's development, before the establishment of stable interregional ties in certain parts of Brazil, what D. Ribeiro defined as “isolated islands of culture” arose. This largely influenced the specificity of the cultural heritage and the entire nature of the historical environment of cities and regions. In this regard, five leading regional cultures of Brazil are usually distinguished. Of these, urban development sites that eventually became part of the World Heritage Site were most influenced by the cultures of "cryola" - in the north-east of the country, and "caipira" - in the state of São Paulo and the region of the main mining centers.
At the same time (although there is still no full agreement among Brazilian specialists, both with regard to the advisability of preserving only immovable monuments and urban ensembles as a sphere of preserved heritage, or the desirability of its extension to the intangible heritage, and in relation to the starting point in the emergence of the Brazilian national culture) , in the aspect of architectural and urban planning heritage that interests us, everything unambiguously converges on the development on the foundation of Portuguese culture. At the same time, experts note the exceptionally strong influence of the traditions of the folk architecture of Portugal, which is distinguished by its special purity and unpretentiousness - features that persisted in Brazil until the middle of the 19th century.
The identification and preservation of cultural heritage in Brazil is developing with great difficulties, determined by the traditional orientation in society towards modernization and the creation of "new values", what is sometimes called Brazilian modernism. However, as of the end of 1998. the list of only urban heritage sites under the control of IPHAN already includes 57 items. These facilities are located in 49 cities in 17 states and the Federal District. The number of buildings included in the boundaries of each of them ranges from 10 to 2000, and their total number in all objects on the list is slightly more than 18 thousand.
Actually, there are three separate lists ("books") for different objects: artistic (or "fine arts"), archaeological-ethnographic-landscape and historical. One and the same property can be included in one, two, or all three lists, which suggests slightly different approaches to the protection of specific heritage sites.
The earliest time of inclusion in the lists (1938) and significant in size objects of the cultural heritage of Brazil are "architectural and urban ensembles" of the cities of the state of Minas Gerais: Ouro Preto (1100 buildings), Diamantina (1200 buildings), São João del Rey (700 buildings), Mariana (500 buildings), Serru (300 buildings), Tiradentes (150 buildings). The first two of them, as you know, have already become part of the World Heritage Site.
Of the other historic cities whose ensembles were taken under protection in later years, these ensembles deserve special mention for the size and value of these ensembles: the World Heritage List Salvador (state of Baia - 2000 buildings), San Luis (state of Maranhao - 1000 buildings) , Olinda (state of Pernambuco - 600 buildings), federal capital of Brasilia, as well as Alcantara (state of Maranhao), Paraty (state of Rio de Janeiro), Cashoeira, Lencois, Porto Seguro (all - state of Bahia), Laranjeiras (state of Sergipe ), Pinedo (Alagoas State), Laguna (Santa Catarina State), Pirenoupolis (Goias State), Cuiaba (Mato Grosso State), Natividadi (Tocantins State).
In the early 2000s. there are 9 Brazilian sites on the World Heritage List, of which 8 are cultural heritage, including 6 - cities represented by their historic centers, or even included in the list as a whole, like Ouro Preto and Brasilia. The last of them is, in general, the only urban development object of the twentieth century in the world, included in the List as an example of a new city created according to a single project.
Source: V.L. Khayt Brazilian Art: History and Modernity. Essays. M., Art, 1989.
Parent M. Protection et mise en valeur du patrimoine cultural brésilien dans le cadre du dévelopment touristique et économique. Paris, UNESCO, 1968 (short version in Russian in: "UNESCO Courier", No. 138, 1968. P.14).
Brasil. Territory, people, work, culture. Coord. Lobello M. São Paulo, 1997.
Relação dos Sítios Urbanos Tombados pelo IPHAN. In: Manual do Inventário National de Bens Imóveis. // Deportamento de Identificação e Documentação. Setor de Inventario de Bens Imóveis. 1998.
Da Silva M.A. Colonial past through modern eyes: patrimony and memory in Brazil. In: Built Heritage and Society. Tusnad 2000 - Proceedings. Cluj-N., Ed. Utilitas, 2000. P.91-92.
Patrimônios da Humanidade no Brasil - World Heritage Sites in Brazil. Text: P. Tirapeli. São Paulo, 2000.
Briefly about Brazil // Embassy of Brazil (in Moscow). M., 2001.
We also used materials that were kindly provided to the author:
V.L. Hait - Director of NIITAG RAASN, Lia Motta - Officer of the IPHAN Superintendence in Rio de Janeiro, Giovana Buckley - Consultant from UNESCO in the Technical Assistance Group in Ouro Preto, Paulo Rocha Ciprianu ( Paulo Rocha Cypriano) - Secretary for Culture of the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow.
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