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This year, Brazil’s national historical tourism itinerary has consolidated 23 colonial heritage municipalities across the Northeast and Southeast regions. The circuit features 12 Northeastern and 11 Southeastern destinations that beautifully preserve the urban infrastructure of centuries past. These locations showcase the stunning architecture developed during the gold rush and sugarcane cultivation eras, offering visitors a true journey through time.
Heritage Hotspots in the Southeast
The state of Minas Gerais boasts the highest number of preserved locations, with eight cities mapped on the circuit. In São Paulo, the municipality of São Luiz do Paraitinga joins the route thanks to its charming buildings erected during the 18th and 19th centuries. The survey of the Brazilian Southeast organizes the following must-visit spots:
- Ouro Preto, Mariana, Tiradentes, and Diamantina in the heart of Minas Gerais.
- Paraty, founded in 1667 on the breathtaking coastline of Rio de Janeiro.
- Petrópolis, home to the Imperial Museum’s collection in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Architectural Hubs in the Northeast
In Bahia, the registry highlights the magnificent buildings of Salvador, constructed between 1549 and 1763, as well as the historic streets of Cachoeira. Maranhão adds to the journey with the French-origin architecture of São Luís and the fascinating 18th-century ruins located in Alcântara. These Northeastern complexes vividly reflect the agricultural export landscape of the colonial period, providing a deep dive into Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially evaluated and protected several of these urban structures. The institution classifies the historic center of Olinda, founded in 1535 in Pernambuco, and the São Francisco Square, dating back to 1590 in the city of São Cristóvão, Sergipe, as official World Heritage Sites.