Lesson 7:
Olinda: General information
Streets and slopes full of history, art and beauty.
The community of Olinda was founded in 1535 by the Portuguese, led by Duarte Coelho Pereira, and became a village on 12 March 1537. It was headquarters of the captaincy of Pernambuco and flourished with characteristics of the Lusitanian towns of medieval origin: narrow slopes and various religious buildings.
But in 1630 it was burned by the Dutch, who moved the headquarters to Recife. Then it became the capital of Pernambuco in 1654 when the Portuguese took over the power. However, in 1837, it lost the title of capital to Recife for good.
Declared World Historical and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1982, Olinda fascinates everyone not only for its architecture but also for its natural beauty. It has a carnival that is unique in the world and is one of the most important cultural centres of the country, besides the gastronomic and leisure centre.
Infrastructure for tourism
Good hotel infrastructure, with hotels, inns, hostels and flats. In addition to lodging, all of them offer various services to tourists. The city also has options from sophisticated restaurants to informal bars.