The capital city of Maranhão State

Culture

This is the only Brazilian Capital founded by the French. Yet, despite this, it is notably the most Portuguese. The island is home to the largest Portuguese style architecture in Latin America, with more than 3,000 historically important buildings that are still partially preserved. In 1977, UNESCO declared a world heritage site. It still has its narrow streets and colourful tiled houses with iron balconies.

Today the manor houses which belonged to barons have become cultural spaces: museums, shops and restaurants whose façades shimmer with stunning Portuguese tiles.

Beyond history, the city preserves a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions. Bumba-Meu-Boi is a popular folkloric festival that takes place in June. It combines theatre, music, dancing and attracts people from all over the world.

The city is also famous for its reggae. The rhythms that pour from the radios, clubs and bars have led to São Luís being known as the Jamaica of Brazil. It is impossible not to unwind here, in the presence of the Rastafarians chilling to the sounds of Bob Marley and co.

IPHAN (the Institute for Historic and Artistic National Heritage) made the neighbouring town of Alcântara a world heritage site. Not only does it have an important colonial centre, but it is also home to Latin America’s Satellite launching Centre.

Airport

São Luis’ airport is called  Aeroporto Internacional de São Luis and it is 13 kilometres from the centre of the city.

Distance from other cities:

Belém: 802 kilometres; Teresina: 458 kilometres; Palmas: 1,338 kilometres; Brasília: 2,019 kilometres; Belo Horizonte: 2,695 kilometres; Rio de Janeiro: 2,970 kilometres; São Paulo: 2,992 kilometres.