UNESCO sites in Brazil
A country of football, carnival, long beaches, and untamed forests- let us present to you Brazil. This biggest country in South America is famous for its natural beauty. After all, it has 72 National Parks, of which 11 are UNESCO sites. Namely, there are 23 UNESCO sites in Brazil spread over 14 states and one federal district. Moreover, the first property to find its way on the list in 1980 was the Historic Town of Ouro Preto. Quite recently, in 2021, the 23rd site got on the UNESCO World Heritage list- Sítio Roberto Burle Marx. Without further ado, find all about natural, cultural, and historical UNESCO sites in Brazil below! Also, we prepared a map at the end for simple navigation.
Table of Contents
Cultural UNESCO sites
Brazil boasts 15 cultural UNESCO sites. The breathtaking buildings encompass hundreds of years of exciting Brazilian culture! From imposing colonial architecture to the best achievements of modern architecture, Brazil will leave you speechless!
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto (Black Gold) is a former colonial town from the eighteenth century in the Serra de Espinhaco Mountains (Minas Gerais State). As the name Black Gold suggests, the city was a mining high spot during the Golden rush in Brazil. Interestingly, European settlers shipped 800 tons of gold to Portugal in the eighteenth century alone! Ouro Preto sadly lost its influence after the exhaustion of gold mines in the 19th century. However, its legacy remains to this day. Multiple churches, fountains, and works of art by the baroque artist Aleijadinho paint the image of the city. The most popular sites are the Museum of Betrayal, Piazza Tiradentes, and Igreja de San Francisco de Assis.
Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
Ouro Preto might be the golden town, but Diamantina is the city of diamonds! Similar to the previous, Diamantina was also a colonial mining town from the 18th century. Namely, the urban structure developed around the Jequitinhonha river and diamond mines. In fact, the village formed on the river shores and started expanding inland following the natural topography. With astonishing baroque colonial architecture, the city lies like a crown jewel in the valley of high mountains of Minas Gerais. What’s more, today most of the houses are in very good shape. The most popular place to visit among many is the Passadiço da Glória.
Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás
Another town that rose during the Golden rush in Brazil in the 18th century is the Town of Goias (the State of Goias). Furthermore, the town has an exemplary layout typical for mining towns. The harmonious proportions and relationship between public and private architecture give Goias its architectural value. Also, what makes the town’s plan unique is the adaptation of European urbanism to the Brazilian topography, climate, and culture. The materials are mainly modest and local, which adds to the authenticity and harmony between the location and town. Due to its remarkable value, UNESCO inscribed the Historic Centre in 2001.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
Did you know that Salvador de Bahia was the first Portuguese America capital and the capital of Brazil? Salvador de Bahia is a perfect example of a city with European, African, and Amerindian style influence! As a result, the colorful streets are brimming with imposing stucco-decorated buildings. In fact, the city overflows with Renaissance urban structures adjusted to the colonial style! Salvador de Bahia is also significant for its rich history. Namely, it was one of the major slave markets in the New World. Furthermore, the town was an epicenter of the sugar industry, and Brazil’s biggest seaport. In 1985, Salvador de Bahia found its way on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its importance to Brazilian history and architecture.
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
In the State of Pernambuco lies the Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda, from the 16th century. Namely, the town was a major sugar-cane industry hotspot, which contributed to its development. Consequently, the city was overflowing with astounding architecture comprising 20 Baroque churches, many chapels, and gardens. One of the most beautiful and valuable buildings are Catedral Alto da Se and the church of Nossa Senhora da Graça. Due to the Dutch occupancy, the town has mainly urban fabric from the 18th century. UNESCO recognised the importance and beauty of the town’s historic centre and declared it a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Historic Centre of São Luís
If you ever wanted to travel back in time, we found a way how. Let us present the Historic Centre of Sao Luis, recognized by UNESCO in 1997. As you may have guessed, the urban texture is entirely intact! If you wish to experience architecture from the 17th century, you will enjoy strolling down the picturesque streets of Sao Luis! The streets are brimming with colorful facades in Portuguese colonial style. You will notice tall narrow windows and balconies with cast iron railings. What’s more, Sao Luis perfectly fuses the strict urban grid of colonial streets with the Brazilian way of life and warm climate of the State of Maranhao. As a result, the strictly lined house toward the street opens into interior patios.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas
South of Belo Horizonte lies the imposing baroque Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, from the second half of the 18th century. The Sanctuary comprises six chapels, an outdoor stairway, and a church. A truly unique element of the complex is the stairway with twelve soapstone statues of the prophets leading the way toward the entrance. Moreover, the church’s impressive interior is rich with masterful Italian-inspired Rococo artworks. Decorated with over sixty outstanding polychrome wooden sculptures by Aleijadihno, the six chapels portray the Steps of the Passion of Christ and his final moments. In 1985, the Sanctuary got inscribed on the World Heritage list.
São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão
São Francisco Square is a historic plaza in São Cristóvão, in the North East of Brazil. The square is an exceptional example of the period during which the Portuguese and Spanish crowns were united. With Spanish colonial and Portuguese architecture of north-eastern Brazil, the plaza merges the concept of an urban pattern of a Portuguese colonial town in a tropical landscape and urban norms by Spain. As a result, São Francisco Square is a plaza mayor (typical for Spanish towns) surrounded by remarkable Portuguese architecture. Imposing buildings such as São Francisco Church and convent, the Church and Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the Provincial Palace, and the 18th- and 19th- century houses surround the square.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
In the port of Rio de Janeiro, nestled between the Coelho e Castro and Sacadura Cabral streets, is an old dock Valongo Wharf. Namely, the Valongo Wharf was the site of trading the enslaved Africans, with over 600 thousand slaves crossing the pier. The pier was built in 1811 and operated 20 years before the ban of the Atlantic slave trade to Brazil. Furthermore, in 2011, the Valongo Wharf was excavated, with a significant number of African amulets from Congo, Angola, and Mozambique. It was finally enlisted on the UNESCO world heritage list in 2017. Today, it is the most important physical indication of the African slave trade in South America.
Ruins of São Miguel das Missões
The Ruins of São Miguel das Missõesl is a site in the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul state on the border with Argentina. Moreover, the Ruins of São Miguel das Missões are a place of great history and culture. They are the imposing remains of Jesuit missions in Brazil in the land of the Guaranis and a living testament of the Guarani wars. Mainly, the site comprises a church, an entrance portico with sculptures of the Jesuit priest Cristovão de Mendonza and the Indian warrior Sepé Tiaraju, and ruins of the old town. The old town sadly fell during the wars. However, the baroque sandstone church stands as a testament to its troubled history. The site got inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1983. Today, it is one of the most beautiful Jesuit missions in Brazil.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
The “youngest” site on the UNESCO World Heritage list is Sitio Roberto Burle Marx, an impressive project by Brazilian Landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx. Moreover, this complex covers 40.53 ha in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Namely, the idea behind the design was to create a “landscape laboratory”, or as the artist himself said, a living work of art. The property consists of numerous extensive landscapes, remarkable gardens, and outstanding buildings. On top of that, the site is home to native Brazilian plants and rare tropical and subtropical species. Interestingly, Sitio Roberto Burle Marx is the first tropical garden designed based on modern principles, with the first project beginning in 1949.
Brasília
Another significant achievement in the history of modern architecture is the impressive town of Brasilia which celebrated its inauguration in 1960. Moreover, Brasilia is the federal capital of Brazil. Aside from being the third-populous city in Brazil, it also has the highest GDP per capita. Namely, the goal behind this huge endeavor was to move the capital from Rio de Janeiro to a more central location, the Brazilian Highlands. It is no surprise that the most established Brazilian architects and urban planners worked on this project. Lucio Costa, Oscar Niemeyer, Joaquim Cardozo, and Roberto Burle Max contributed to the impressive development of Brasilia.
Pampulha Modern Ensemble
One of the most compelling artworks by famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemayer is Pampulha Modern Ensemble from 1940 (Minas Gerais State). The complex rests in the middle of an artificial lake in Belo Horizonte, comprising a casino, a ballroom, the Golf Yacht Club, and the São Francisco de Assis church. Also, Pompuhla is a remarkable example of the concrete potential, bold forms, and innovative art collaboration. In addition, the complex is a perfect blend of local traditions, natural surroundings, and modern architectural principles. The Ensemble found its way to the list of World Heritage in 2016. for its architectural value.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
Rio de Janeiro, the crown jewel of Brazil and, without a doubt, the most famous city in South America, has been an inspiration to artists for decades. Namely, the town lies between the sea and the mountains and is the second most populous city in Brazil. Apart from the impressive urbanism, Rio prides itself on the picturesque Copacabana Bay and the Tijuca National Park mountains. With Copacabana and Tijuca, the UNESCO site includes Botanical Gardens, Corcovado Mountain with the Christ Saviour Sculpture, and hills around Guanabara Bay. The sites got on the list of world heritage sites in 2012. and together cover an area of 7,248.78 ha.
Serra da Capivara National Park
Serra da Capivara National Park is a national park in the state of Piauí, covering an area of nearly 140 hectares. The park contains astounding cave paintings, some over 25 000 years old. Due to their significance in the history of human settlement in South America, UNESCO inscribed the National Park on the list of World Heritage. Moreover, the iconography of the paintings helped historians determine the region’s early peoples. Most paintings date from the Neolithic period, during which the Nordeste and Agreste cultures thrived. If you are interested in learning more about the first settlements in South America, the National Park is open every day from 6 am to 6 pm. Also, the price is around 4.50 euros.
Natural UNESCO sites
Along with the architectural masterpieces, seven stunning natural sites found themselves on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
Nestled between Sao Paolo State and the States of Parana, the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves boast a rich environment and beautiful landscapes. Together, there are 25 protected areas spread over almost 470,00 ha. From dense mountains and rich deep forests to vast dunes, Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves comprise stunning scenic beauties. Moreover, the sites are the last remaining Atlantic Forests with vegetation that is among the most diverse in the world. This complex biome comprises multiple endemic species, from primates to tree species and mammals. As a result, this contributed to discovering the stages of evolution. While visiting the Reserves, do not miss a chance to explore the Casa de Pedra Cave.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
In the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Norte, around 260 km from Natal, there are the Fernando de Noronha archipelago and Rocas Atoll. Together they make for the largest island surface of the southern part of the Atlantic. Surprisingly, The Atoll Rocas is the only atoll in the Pacific ocean. Furthermore, the Rocas Atoll is of volcanic origin and has remarkable coralline formation. What makes it stand out is the impressive geological formation that gives it a unique shape. Lush green thick forests and vast sand beaches make the archipelago extremely beautiful. Moreover, the islands are home to marine mammals, tuna, sharks, and dolphins! Apart from the scenic beauty, the island is famous because of Dolphin Bay.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
Cerrado Protected Areas includes two sites, the Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Park. Together, the two sites cover an area of around 380 000 ha and are the world’s oldest tropical ecosystems. Moreover, the sites had a huge role in preserving several species during extreme climate changes. Some scientists predict that the Cerrado region will be vital in the perseverance of flora and fauna in the future climate crisis. The area has a rich flora that includes some of the oldest endemic plants. Aside from its remarkably rich vegetation, the Cerrado Area is also home to a population of large mammals. The most notable is the giant anteater, armadillo, maned wolf, jaguar, and pampas deer.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex is a natural UNESCO site in the State of Amazonas. Moreover, it is the world’s richest region in terms of abundance of flora and fauna. The site is crucial in preserving endangered species such as the Amazonian manatee, the black caiman, and two species of river dolphin. Moreover, the area includes varzea ecosystems, igapó forests, and a complex of rivers and lakes. Stretching over an area of over 5 000 000 ha the Central Amazon Conservation Complex is the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin. Due to its significance in the Brazilian ecosystem and biodiversity, UNESCO recognized it in 2000.
Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves comprises four disparate reserves: Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve, Reserva Biológica de Una, Reservas de Mata Atlântica do Sudeste, and Biological Reserve Sooretama. Also, the reserves spread over four states, Parana, Bahia, São Paulo, and Espirito Santo, respectively. Together they cover an area of over 112 000 hectares. Furthermore, the Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves boasts rich biodiversity. Moreover, it is home to numerous rare and endemic species of Brazilian rainforests. The endemic species have great scientific value because they show the evolution pattern. According to previous, UNESCO recognized the significance and inscribed the Reserves in 1999.
Iguaçu National Park
Iguacu National Park lies in the State of Paraná, bordering Argentina. Its name comes from the 50-kilometer-long river Rio Iguaçu. In 1939, Iguacu became the second oldest national park in Brazil. The park covers an area of 1,852 square kilometers and is home to between 150 and 300 waterfalls. Moreover, several waterfalls reach over an impressive 72 meters. It is no surprise that Iguacu is the most popular and most visited national park in South America. Naturally, it has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Pantanal Conservation Area
The Pantanal Conservation Area encompasses four protected areas covering 187,818 ha. The areas are the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park and the Special Reserves of Acurizal, Penha, and Doroche. Namely, the Conservation stretches between western central Brazil at the southwest corner of the State of Mato Grosso. The site is famous for the abundance and diversity of tropical vegetation and wild animal life. Moreover, the Pantanal Conservation Area makes up 1.3% of Brazil’s Pantanal region. Also, it is part of the world’s largest freshwater wetland ecosystem.
Mixed UNESCO sites
There is only one Mixed World Heritage Site in Brazil. It is a perfect combination of the wonders of human abilities and the work of Mother Nature.
Paraty and Ilha Grande
Over 173 000 hectares, the Paraty and Ilha Grande site encompass the historic center of Paraty, four Brazilian Atlantic Forests, the Serra da Bocaina mountain range, and the Atlantic coastal region. The site in the State of Rio de Janeiro is of great significance due to its rich history and biodiversity. It is home to several endangered species. Among them, the most popular is the jaguar and white-lipped peccary. Apart from rich flora and fauna, Paraty prides itself on its role in the Golden Rush. Moreover, Paraty was a crucial end-point of the Gold Route during the 17th century. What’s more, the town shows characteristics of Brazilian colonial architecture from the 18th century.
