The neighbourhoods of São José and Santo Antônio were urbanised by Maurice de Nassau, who designed the extension of Recife onto the neighbouring island of Antônio Vaz to the southwest. Apart from the layout of the streets, vestiges from this era are few and far between. The return of the Portuguese, and with them the Catholic faith, gave rise to the construction of an abundance of Baroque churches. Now listed and restored, you can discover them as you wander the densely populated, shop-lined little streets, which have a bustling atmosphere during the day.