Olinda Things to Do

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The most beautiful church I saw in Olinda, St Francis suffered the common mistreatment of the war, but kept the appearance of its reconstruction in the 17th century.

Nested in green, its sober cloisters contrast with its rich baroque decoration

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I left Portugal with a severe warning from a friend: I should not miss this church. Thanks for the warning! I didn't and agree that the richness and beauty of the altar are unbeatable.

Unfortunately the photo of the altar (flash forbidden) was so lousy I don't dare to publish it. But it's better that way: you will have to go there and look for yourself

I was in Recife and visited Olinda from there, but nothing stops you to do it the opposite way.

No matter where you are, one thing is clear: both places must be seen,and it will take only some minutes to move between them.

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Where am I? In Obidos? Monsaraz? Castelo de Vide? No! With this temperature in March it cannot be Portugal. But it looks like!

Sorry folks, this sensation is reserved for the Portuguese, but the visual pleasure is shareable. So, walk slow, breed deeply, and... enjoy!

There is always a solution to understand the described feeling - come to Portugal and try to understand the links.

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Created in the 16th century, this church was destroyed during the war between Portuguese and Dutch. Rebuilt in the 17th and ruined again, the final version is about 100 years old.

It's far from being among the best in Olinda, but it surely is located in the best sightseeing place of town. The yard in its back is mandatory.

Olinda is not known for it's beach, better to travel the other way out of Recife to Boa Viagem. Here you will find locals hanging out. One caveat: There are no public restrooms, and you may see people relieving themselves, or smell urine as you walk the streets nearby.

The square in front of the Igreja da Sé provides a nice setting to write your postcards. I first get a local paper, then sit and read (foreign newspapers are surprisingly easy to read, you may not catch every word, but you will understand what the story is about), deciding which headlines to send.

Even though this is a popular tourist destination with many vendors, they will not bother you as you read and write. This woman who did bead work was working nearby. I was so grateful that I even purchased some of her work to give to friends.

This observatory was built to track the path of the planet Venus, and is the olderst in the Americas. It is not overwhelming as more modern observatories or arrays of radio telescopes. It sits atop the highest point in town and offers excellent views of Olinda, the Ocean, and Recife. The square has many shops and stalls that cater to the tourist.

Here you can get a local paper and sit and write your postcards. My postcards are all sent in the language of the place that I am visiting.