Copyright 2006 Fionnuala DownhillRecife is the capital of the state of Pernambuco in Brazil
and the counties fourth largest city. It is a bustling and
vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and
colonial architecture. It is not as cosmopolitan as some
of Brazil?s other large cities. Recife mean ?reef? in
Portuguese and the city is located along side a long
coastal reef situated on the Atlantic Ocean.
Recife developed as a city of trade and as a major port.
It is known as the Venice of Brazil and includes a mixture
of the old and the new with narrow streets, canals, rivers
and bridges. One of the pleasures that Recife offers is
the opportunity to wander through the streets and to
discover new pleasures. The architecture reflects the
different cultures that have settled in the area and there
are a number of historical monuments and churches many
influenced by Portuguese and Dutch settlers.
The number one beach for city inhabitants and visitors
alike is the Boa Viagem beach. This beach is one of the
most famous in Brazil. Because it is protected by the reef
the beach offers a safe place for swimming and other water
sports. This area around Boa Viagem is the true heart of
the city and includes many hotels, exciting nightlife and
fine dining experiences. This area is also the shopping
center of the city and offers many fine stores and
boutiques. It is also a fine base to begin exploring the
rest of the city.
Recife Antigo is the ancient part of the city. Much repair
work is being done to revitalize this area. This is a
great area for walking and sightseeing. This vibrant part
of the city is alive with music and dance and of course
carnival! One of the most famous carnivals in Brazil is
the Carnival at Recife Antigo.
The Casa da Cultura is an important cultural marketplace
full of arts, crafts and souvenirs. It was once an ancient
colonial prison but has been transformed into a marketplace
and center for traditional arts. This is also a center for
performance art, dance and music.
For art lovers a visit to Francisco Brennand's Oficina
Ceramica is essential. It is located just outside the city
in a dense forest. Brennand is one of Brazil?s most famous
artists and this center dedicated to his work includes a
museum and workshop. There is also a retail store located
in the Boa Viagem area dedicated to his ceramic art.
The local cuisine in Recife has many influences including
Spanish, Dutch, African and Indian. The area is renowned
for its bountiful supply of fresh seafood as well as local
fruits including coconuts and mangos. Local dishes
include crabs cooked in a spicy sauce, shrimps in mango
sauce, and fried needle fish.
Because Recife is situated close to the equator the weather
is tropical. The hottest months are from December through
February. This is when the locals take their vacations.
Winter is during June through August and this is the period
of heavy rainfall.
No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Recife
you are sure to experience the holiday of a lifetime.
There are untold treasures to be found in this bustling and
vibrant city.
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Fionnuala Barrett writes for Four Corners Hotels
http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/BR--Recife which
offers hotels in cities around the world including hotels
located in Recife.
