In the heart of the city, the Sé cathedral also brings to mind its European similarities like the sanctuary basilica of Nazaré based on the model of Saint Peter in Rome. In the remains of the old town, informed visitors find architecture similar to those of Portuguese batiments from the beginning of the century. A colonial cityįirst town colonised by the Portuguese on the Amazon, in 1616, the city of Belem do Para still holds beautiful traces of its past.
I advise you to visit the city outside of the rainy season. Situated in 180km from the equator, Belem do Para enjoy the equatorial climate. This place is ideal for those who can't reach Belem. 14 km of walks through the natural flora with a magnificent view onto the canal Sao Joaquim. The famous fruit of the forest, tried in all of Brazil in sorbet or juice, it has been one of my favourite culinary discoveries.Īt 15 kilometres from Belem, if you don't have the possibility to plunge into the Amazonia, the Belem ecological park "Gunnar Vingren" giving at first glance, the wild flora and fauna. If you have not had the chance yet, the Belem market is the ideal place to discover the Açai.
Situated close to the old port, this market is of an area of 26000 square metres and allows visitors to discover spices and fruits of the region. Exotic fruit amateurs will be particularly keen to go to the biggest market of the city, the Ver or Peso. The exuberant nature associated with urban life is found in almost all the towns of the city and gives it a charm which I have never found in any other Brazilian town. Then just pass through the main reception hall and say goodbye, ready to move on to Docas Station.Mango trees border the avenues, palm trees along the estuary, no doubts in Belem, the Amazonian forest is integrated into the city. Sit down, enjoy the elements of Greek and Roman mythology portrayed on the central ceiling, photograph it and, if you are fortunate to have your visit coincide with an orchestra rehearsal, close your eyes, feel the music and imagine the glamour of former times in the theatre balconies. Setting the ostentation aside, what is really impressive is the theatre auditorium, currently with a capacity for 900 spectators, and its wonderful decorative details. Visits to the Paz Theatre are guided and begin in the entrance hall, composed of decorative materials imported from Europe: "English cast iron in the door arches, Italian marble staircase French chandelier, busts made of Carrara marble (.), statues in French bronze, floor with Portuguese paving stones forming a mosaic and bonded with a glue made from Gurijuba (fish found in the region), walls and ceiling painted to depict the Greek arts,” according to the theatre’s official site. Don’t be surprised, then, if they suggest you try an oil to ward off the evil eye or even “bota oil", which is much praised by the vendors as an enhancer of sexual performance.Īs touristy as it may seem, the Ver-o-Peso market is really a must-visit. There is, at the Ver-o-Peso market, an oil, herb or bark for everything - and the vendors don’t have to be persuaded to explain, with a playful air and mischievous smile, the advantages of each oil. But, the market is principally known for the area dedicated to natural remedies and "magic potions". Notable areas of the market are those devoted to fruit and vegetables, the area of dried fish and shrimp, the area where the indigenous handicrafts are found, originating from the interior of the state or from Marajó Island, as well as the area of meals and juices – exotic açai juice, for example. That suggestion is fully justified: the market is a place that encapsulates the soul of the Amazon region. Talk to any local inhabitant about what to do in Belém and they will recommend a visit to the market. It is located close to the Presépio Fort and a visit must be a priority. Ver-o-Peso market is certainly one of the most iconic locations of the city of Belém.