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Recife, BrazilSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boa_viagem.jpg
Author: Leonardo.stabile
Recife is the state capital of Pernambuco, Brazil. Covering 218 sq km (84.17 sq mi), it has a population of 1.5 million people within a metropolitan area of 4.1 million people. The Recife metropolitan area is the fourth most populous in Brazil.
Today Recife is a modern city and a major center for manufacturing. The city is a hub for the information technology industry, with a concentration of IT companies.
The area around Recife is one of the earliest to be settled by Europeans. It was established in the 16th century when private entrepreneurs were allowed to start their own settlements. The city's name means "reef", and may refer to the coral reef found off the shore. The state of Pernambuco, where Recife is located, was a major sugarcane plantation. It was captured by the Dutch in 1630 when the Dutch invaded the sugar-producing cities of Brazil. Recife was made the capital of Dutch Brazil and renamed Mauritsstad. The Dutch was however eventually ousted from Brazil in 1654.
In addition to its agricultural products, Recife has a major port. Of late, it is also becoming a popular tourist destination. The city has some of the best beaches in the country.
The interior of Matriz de Santo Antônio, RecifeSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IMSA04.jpg
Author: Ricardo André Frantz
Recife experiences a tropical climate. Temperature is fairly constant. January is the warmest month, when average high temperature reaches 31°C (88°F). Coldest months are June to August, when the average low temperature drops to 22°C (72°F). Rain is heaviest in May and June, each receiving 300 cm (11.8 in) of precipitation.
Visiting Recife
Recife's Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) receives flights from major cities in Brazil as well as from Buenos Aires, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London and Madrid, among others.
Old quarters of RecifeSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Recife_2005_JAN_25_AncientCenter_small.JPG
Author: Jo-Jo
Sights & Attractions in Old Recife
- Forte das Cinco Pontas (Five-Pointed Fort)
Despite its name, it only has four points. Its name refers to its original shape, when it was built by the Dutch in 1630. When the Portuguese captured it in 1654, they renovated it to have only four points. - Forte do Brum
One of the few structures built before Dutch colonization of Recife. Built in 1629, it was taken over by the Dutch in 1930 and reclaimed by the Portuguese in 1654. - Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue
Synagogue for the Jewish community. It was built in 1637, when Recife was under Dutch rule. - Recife Antigua
The old town of Recife, with a number of historic sights of interest, including Marco Zero, the square where the city was first established. - Torre de Malakoff
Tower built in 1845 as the first astronomical observatory in South America.
Sights & Attractions in Modern Recife
- Casa da Cultura
Formerly a jail until 1973, this historic building today houses the biggest arts and craft market in the city. - Catedral de São Pedro dos Clérigos
One of the biggest churches in Pernambuco state, built in 1728. Facing it is Pátio de São Pedro, one of the most popular public squares in the city. - Igreja São Francisco & Capela Dourada
Built in 1606, the Igreja São Francisco was once a convent. In an annex is the Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel), built in 1695 covered with gold leaf or gold paint. - Instituto Ricardo Brennand
An art complex displaying an impressive collection of European art, including historical paintings and documents. - Oficina de Cerâmica Francisco Brennand
An unusual cultural center showcasing the work of renowned artist Francisco Brennand, who is best known for his phallic-shaped ceramic sculptures. - Praça da Republica
This is the main public square in Recife. It is surrounded by some of the finest public buildings in the city, among them the Palácio da Justiça, the Palácio do Campo das Princesas (Governor's Palace) and Teatro Princesa Isabel.
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Dear visitor, thank you so much for reading this page. My name is Timothy Tye and my hobby is to find out about places, write about them and share the information with you on this website. I have been writing this site since 5 January 2003. Originally (from 2003 until 2009, the site was called AsiaExplorers. I changed the name to Penang Travel Tips in 2009, even though I describe more than just Penang but everywhere I go (I often need to tell people that "Penang Travel Tips" is not just information about Penang, but information written in Penang), especially places in Malaysia and Singapore, and in all the years since 2003, I have described over 20,000 places.
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