If you have an interest in history and are travelling to Brazil - you're in luck. Brazil has a rich history that is showcased through diverse landmarks across the country. These landmarks range from ancient indigenous sites, to religious sites, to colonial architecture.
These 12 must-see historical landmarks offer insight into the cultural and historical legacy of the country, reflecting its journey from colonialism to independence. Whether you're visiting iconic sites like Christ the Redeemer or exploring the historical center of Salvador, Brazil’s historical landmarks will help to provide you with a deeper understanding of its past. This guide will take you through the most significant historical landmarks across Brazil, each telling a unique story.
Here are the best historical landmarks to see on your trip to Brazil
1. Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Entrance: It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues during the high season. Tickets for the train and van transfers include the entrance ticket to the monument.
One of the most recognized historical landmarks in Brazil. Christ the Redeemer is a globally recognized symbol of Brazil and stands tall as a testament to both religious and cultural history. Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski, with the help of Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. Standing 30 meters (98 feet) high atop Corcovado Mountain, it was built to commemorate the centenary of Brazil’s independence. The idea for the statue was conceived in the 1850s, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that a fundraising campaign, led by the Catholic Church, brought the project to life.
The location of the statue atop Corcovado offers stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Its construction posed immense challenges due to the difficult terrain, and it was ultimately built using reinforced concrete, a relatively new material at the time. Today, visitors can access the summit by a cog train or by hiking trails. The site has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and continues to be a focal point for both religious pilgrims and tourists alike.
See the full guide to visiting Christ the Redeemer here.
2. Pelourinho
Location: Salvador, Bahia
Entrance: Free
Pelourinho, the historic center of Salvador, is a vivid reminder of Brazil’s colonial past and its African heritage. Established in the 16th century, Salvador was the first capital of colonial Brazil and a major port for the Atlantic slave trade. The name "Pelourinho" refers to the pillory that once stood in the town square, where enslaved Africans were punished in public. Today, the area is known for its vibrant colonial architecture, with pastel-colored buildings lining its cobbled streets, and for its role in preserving Afro-Brazilian culture.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Pelourinho was the heart of Brazil's wealth and power, thanks to sugarcane plantations and the labor of enslaved Africans. Visitors can explore numerous churches, including the baroque masterpiece Church of São Francisco, which is known for its gold-leafed interior. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, Pelourinho is now a cultural hub, featuring museums, art galleries, and lively music performances that reflect the blend of Portuguese and African influences that define Bahia.
3. Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra)
Location: Salvador, Bahia
Entrance: R$15
Barra Lighthouse, located at the entrance of All Saints Bay, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Salvador. Built in the late 17th century to protect the city from Dutch invaders, the lighthouse stands as a symbol of Brazil's colonial maritime history. The structure has been rebuilt several times, with its current form dating back to 1839. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Salvador’s coastline.
The lighthouse is part of the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort, which also houses the Nautical Museum of Bahia. This museum offers insights into Brazil's seafaring history, featuring artefacts such as old navigational tools, shipwreck remains, and detailed exhibits about the Portuguese colonial period. After your visit, make sure to catch the sunset from the front of the lighthouse, where there is often live music.
4. Mosteiro de São Bento
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Entrance: Free
The Mosteiro de São Bento, or Monastery of Saint Benedict, is one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Brazil. Founded in 1590 by Benedictine monks, the monastery played a key role in the spread of Catholicism during the colonial period. The current structure, completed in the early 18th century, is a masterpiece of Brazilian baroque architecture, featuring gilded woodwork, intricate carvings, and ceiling paintings that depict religious themes.
The monastery's chapel, Nossa Senhora de Montserrat, is renowned for its ornate interior and serene atmosphere. The monks of São Bento are also known for their Gregorian chants, which can be heard during daily mass, providing a spiritual and auditory experience for visitors. Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, the Mosteiro de São Bento offers a peaceful retreat from the city and a glimpse into Brazil’s rich religious heritage.
5. Ouro Preto Historical Centre
Location: Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Entrance: Free
Ouro Preto, meaning "Black Gold", was once the heart of Brazil’s gold rush during the 18th century. The town was founded in 1698 and quickly became one of the wealthiest cities in the Portuguese Empire. The town’s streets are lined with ornate baroque architecture, much of it designed by Brazilian architect and sculptor Aleijadinho. The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, with its intricately carved façade and gilded interior, is one of the finest examples of colonial Brazilian architecture. The town also played a role in Brazil’s fight for independence, being the centre of the Inconfidência Mineira, an 18th-century revolutionary movement.
Today, Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its historical significance draws thousands of visitors each year. The city’s preservation efforts have kept many of its original structures intact, including the former royal palace and several colonial-era homes. Ouro Preto’s blend of history and art makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in Brazil’s colonial period.
6. Palacio do Catete
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Entrance: Free
Palácio do Catete served as the seat of Brazil’s government from 1897 to 1960 and now houses the Museum of the Republic. The palace was built in the mid-19th century by a wealthy Portuguese aristocrat, and its neoclassical design stands as a reflection of the opulence of the era. The building became the presidential residence and office in the early days of Brazil’s republic, housing 18 presidents over the years. It was in this palace that President Getúlio Vargas famously took his own life in 1954, an event that dramatically changed the course of Brazilian politics.
The palace, with its elaborate interior decorations and extensive gardens, is a stunning example of Brazilian neoclassical architecture. The Museum of the Republic offers exhibits on the history of Brazil’s transition from monarchy to republic, as well as the lives of the presidents who lived and worked there. Visitors can tour the palace’s historic rooms, view Vargas' office, and walk through the gardens that once hosted key political events.
7. Sao Miguel das Missões Ruins
Location: São Miguel das Missões, Rio Grande do Sul
Entrance: R$10
Sao Miguel das Missões is a haunting reminder of the Jesuit missions established in the 17th century to convert and educate the indigenous Guarani people. The mission was founded in 1687 and became part of a network of similar missions across South America. These missions were built to be self-sustaining communities where the Guarani could live, learn trades, and adopt Christianity. However, the missions were also controversial, as they disrupted traditional indigenous ways of life and became targets in territorial conflicts between the Spanish and Portuguese empires.
The ruins of Sao Miguel, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, include the remains of the mission church, which once stood as one of the most impressive structures in colonial Brazil. Despite its current state, the site’s grandeur can still be appreciated, and the attached museum offers a rich display of artefacts from the mission's peak. Audio-visual exhibits narrate the history of the Guarani people and their interaction with the Jesuits, providing valuable insight into this complex chapter of Brazilian history.
8. Sao Francisco Church and Convent
Location: Salvador, Bahia
Entrance: R$5
The Sao Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Brazil, boasting an interior adorned with gold-leaf carvings and intricate woodwork. The construction of the church began in 1708 and was completed in 1723, during Brazil's colonial period when the wealth from sugarcane and gold mines funded opulent religious buildings. The church is a remarkable display of artistic craftsmanship, with its ceiling murals and lavish altars standing out as some of the most ornate in Brazil. It played a significant role in the religious and social life of colonial Salvador, then one of the most prosperous cities in the Portuguese Empire.
The São Francisco Church is also famous for its azulejos (Portuguese blue tiles) that depict religious scenes, lining the walls of its courtyard. These tiles were imported from Lisbon and add a European touch to the Brazilian baroque style. The church’s history is intertwined with that of the Franciscan order, who were instrumental in spreading Catholicism across the New World. Visitors can explore the richly decorated interior and learn about the religious history that shaped the region.
9. Tiradentes Historical Town
Location: Tiradentes, Minas Gerais
Entrance: Free
The town of Tiradentes is named after Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, better known as Tiradentes, a martyr of Brazil’s independence movement. Located 190km from Belo Horizonte, Tiradentes was founded in 1702, and became a significant town during the gold rush era. Its colonial architecture, including the Church of Saint Anthony, is well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into Brazil’s colonial past. The church, built in 1710, is a standout for its detailed rococo-style altar and the use of gold in its decoration, a testament to the town's prosperous history during the mining boom.
In the late 18th century, Tiradentes became a focal point for the Inconfidência Mineira, a revolutionary movement seeking independence from Portugal. The movement’s leader, Tiradentes, was executed for treason, but his legacy as a national hero remains central to the town’s identity. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, hosting annual festivals that celebrate Brazilian culture and history. Its quiet cobblestone streets and colonial houses provide a stark contrast to the tumultuous times that once defined it.
10. Brasilia’s National Congress
Location: Brasilia, Federal District
Entrance: Free (guided tours available)
Brasília, the modernist capital of Brazil, is famous for its unique architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The National Congress, with its two towering skyscrapers and iconic dome and bowl structures, is a highlight of the city’s futuristic design. Completed in 1960, the Congress is the heart of Brazil’s federal government. Tours offer visitors a chance to explore the legislative chambers and learn about the city’s symbolic layout, which reflects Brazil’s aspirations for a progressive future.
11. Imperial Museum of Brazil
Location: Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro
Entrance: R$10 - cash only. See the official site here.
The Imperial Museum of Brazil in Petrópolis is located in the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, Brazil’s last emperor. Built in the mid-19th century, the palace served as a royal retreat away from the heat of Rio de Janeiro. Designed in a neoclassical style, the palace reflects the influence of European architecture during the Brazilian Empire. The museum's collection includes personal artefacts of the royal family, such as the imperial crown, furniture, and documents that provide insight into the everyday lives of Brazil’s monarchy.
Petrópolis itself was founded as a royal town in 1843, and the palace was completed shortly after, becoming a symbol of the growing influence of European culture in Brazil. After the fall of the monarchy in 1889, the palace was converted into a museum in 1943. Today, it stands as a significant repository of Brazil's imperial history, allowing visitors to explore the country's complex journey from monarchy to republic.
12. Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
Location: Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
Entrance: R$16
Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa was constructed in 1740 as part of a defence network to protect the island of Santa Catarina from potential Spanish invasion. The fortress played a crucial role in the ongoing territorial disputes between Spain and Portugal during the colonial period. It is one of several military fortifications built along the coast, aimed at guarding Brazil’s southern borders. The fortress is strategically located on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding coastline and sea, allowing for early detection of approaching enemy ships.
Today, the fortress is well-preserved, with its stone walls, cannons, and barracks still intact. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the military history that shaped the region. The fortress not only highlights Brazil’s colonial military strategies but also offers a glimpse into daily life for soldiers stationed in such remote outposts. The view from the top of the fortifications remains one of the most breathtaking in the region, combining natural beauty with historical significance.
What is your favorite historical site in Brazil? Let me know in the comments below!
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