| Page Views: 1,486 Last Visit to Olinda: February, 2004 | Olinda by NedHopkins - last update: Oct 16, 2004 |
Olinda — its name means 'the beautiful' — was founded in 1535. A center of commerce early in its history, the town soon lost out to the port city of Recife (whose skyline, six kilometers away, can be seen in my photograph).
Olinda was occupied by the Dutch for several years early in the 17th century. Retreating before reinvigorated Portuguese forces, the Dutch burned most of the city in 1631.
Rebuilt after the Dutch defeat, Olinda now rivals Salvador da Bahia and Ouro Preto and other towns in Minas Gerais for its preservation of colonial architecture.
With a population today of 400,000 people, about a tenth of the city is protected as a national monument and a UNESCO 'Patrimony of Mankind.' |
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| Pros: | "Beautiful architecture, good restaurants, friendly people" | | Cons: | "Old bones may ache climbing the many hills" | | In A Nutshell: | "A fine place for a restful few days — or some vigorous walking about" |
NedHopkins' Olinda Travel Tips
 Comments for NedHopkins about Olinda | | | | |
Hosell Thu Jan 25, 2007 21:58 UTC
Olinda looks beautiful! I will go to Recife soon and I'd like to visit Olinda if I have the chance,thanks for your pics and info!!!! | zlatiq Fri Jul 29, 2005 14:34 UTC
beaituful ! must see it next time i get to brasil; thanks for the superb info! | pepples46 Thu Mar 4, 2004 05:58 UTC
Olinda, still beautiful...great infos, thank you for sharing |
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