Next stop on our somewhat whirlwind tour of Brazil was Olinda. We flew into Recifé and took a rather sweaty, packed couple of buses and a metro to the quieter city of Olinda. We stayed in the Old Town, and were again treated to cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and this time lots of little houses in pastel shades. It was marvellous.
Many of the churches were built around the time of the founding of the city in the 16th Century. At this time, a new hip fad called Protestantism was sweeping Europe, and the Roman Catholic Church was responding in the New World by trying to convert as many souls as possible. The Catholic Kings of Portugal sent many religious orders into Brazil and Olinda, and they built churches with great gusto. Unfortunately, the Dutch invaded in 1630 and burnt the place to the ground. Undeterred, the residents of Olinda rebuilt with fervour, and here is some of their handiwork:
Igreja do Carmo- original built in 1580
Look at all the beautiful colours on one street!
This cat was just amazing, had to take a picture. She had the prettiest blue eyes
Monasterio de São Bento- the Monastery of St Benedict- the last refurbishment was done in 1761.
Lots of great street art here, too.
Cute Olinda in the foreground, crazy Recifé with the skyscrapers in the background.
These are used in the parade at Carnival in Olinda. Every small town and city has its own spin on Carnival, and apparently Olinda's is very interesting.
I loved this place!
This was the church right across from our hostel- Igreja de São Pedro
Inside the Convento de São Francisco, which was full of these beautiful painted tiles depicting scenes from São Francisco's life.
View of the ocean from the convent
Igreja da Sé- originally built in 1535.
Practising for Carnival😍
The viewpoint from above- cost me 8 reals but I think it was worth it, eh?
Recifé in the distance with the skyscrapers
Until Next Time!
Location:Olinda, Brazil
Yas cat pic! 👍
ReplyDeleteYas cat pic! 👍
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