The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism updated the guidelines for the Brazilian Tourism Map this week. The document lists 11 historic cities, guiding the allocation of resources and the creation of public policies aimed at heritage preservation. This curated selection includes both coastal gems and enchanting inland municipalities that beautifully preserve Brazil’s rich colonial architecture.
Among the highlighted destinations is Ouro Preto, located in the state of Minas Gerais and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980. The city is home to the stunning Church of São Francisco de Assis, historically cataloged as the second-richest gold-adorned building in the country. Another major landmark in the report is Salvador, Bahia—Brazil’s first capital—where the vibrant Pelourinho district features an extensive and colorful array of traditional Portuguese architecture.
In the lush North region, the federal government’s survey features Manaus, Amazonas. Its historic core is anchored by the magnificent Amazon Theatre, inaugurated in 1896 during the opulent rubber boom. In the state of Pará, the city of Belém joins the itinerary through the iconic Ver-o-Peso Market, which celebrates 398 years of history. This bustling commercial space is classified by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) as the largest open-air market in Latin America.
Cultural Destinations and Museum Circuits
Event tourism centered around these historic hubs is also a key criterion in the federal mapping. In Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, the local hospitality and commercial sectors draw significant energy from the International Literary Festival (FLIP), hosted amidst the charming cobblestone streets of its historic center. In the Northeast, the municipality of Olinda, Pernambuco, has proudly held the title of UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 1982, welcoming a steady stream of visitors to fascinating cultural sites like the Museum of Sacred Art and the Mamulengo (Puppet) Museum.
- Goiás (GO): The ancient Vila Boa preserves its original architectural layout and attracts visitors annually for the visually striking Procession of the Fogaréu (Torchlight Procession).
- São Luís (MA): The historic center of the Maranhão state capital is home to the largest collection of traditional Portuguese tiles in Brazil.
- Recife (PE): The central area of Old Recife (Recife Antigo) houses vibrant cultural spaces dedicated to regional memory, such as the Paço do Frevo (Frevo Dance Palace) and the Cais do Sertão Museum.