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The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism has released a list of 11 historic cities that stand out as major hubs for cultural tourism in Brazil. Spread across different regions of the country, these captivating municipalities attract visitors with their rich architectural heritage, vibrant cultural expressions, and beautifully preserved history.
Among the highlights are Ouro Preto, in the state of Minas Gerais, boasting breathtaking Baroque churches and colonial mansions, and Olinda, in Pernambuco, globally renowned for its traditional Carnival and its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The charming coastal town of Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro, also makes the list, drawing crowds with its impeccably preserved historic downtown and the internationally acclaimed Paraty International Literary Festival (Flip).
Other celebrated cities include São Luís, in Maranhão, home to an extraordinary collection of Portuguese colonial tiles, and Salvador, in Bahia, which keeps its vibrant Afro-Brazilian heritage alive in the iconic Pelourinho district. Meanwhile, Diamantina (Minas Gerais) and the City of Goiás (Goiás) perfectly encapsulate the fascinating history of Brazil’s mining boom and colonial era, respectively.
According to the Ministry, these destinations are part of the Brazilian Tourism Map, a strategic tool that guides public policies for the sector. The initiative aims to boost the creative economy and generate jobs by valuing and promoting Brazil’s exceptional cultural heritage to the world.