Colonial times are characterised by the remarkable religious buildings whose splendour is reminiscent of such edifices in Portugal, Italy or Spain. The Franciscans were no exception and their Convento de São Francisco, the first in Brazil, boasts sum..

The Monastery de São Bento (late 16C) has undergone a series of transformations. Its church (1761) houses a majestic sculpted altar (1779), masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque. In 2002, this 12t piece was dismantled to be exhibited at the Guggenheim..

With its bars, restaurants and artists' studios, Rua do Amparo is where Olinda's cultural scene and nightlife are concentrated; its gorgeous row of colourful houses is also worth a look. With its Moorish style, one of them (n o 28; 18C) stands out f..