Famous Brazilian Landmarks

Brazilian Landmarks in the North

O Norte. Here I’ve put together a list of the most visited and most famous Brazilian landmarks in Brazil by state. Since there are inumerous Brazilian landmarks and tourist points to choose from, I have simplified this list by featuring only one famous landmark from each state in Brazil. Choosing only one Brazilian Landmark from each state was a challenge. However, this way you will get to know something about even the lesser known Brazilian states such as Amapá. I prefer to show something different about Brazil rather than just listing the most internationally recognized brazilian landmarks of which are concentrated in 3 Brazilian cities: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo. Brazil does in fact have 27 states, and after reading this series of posts, you will get to know a bit about each of them. Enjoy!

*In this Post I will be specifically listing Landmarks from the 7 states that make up the NORTHERN REGION of Brazil:  Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins.

1. ACRE

Os Geóglifos do Acre in Boca do Acre, Acre

This one is literally a “landmark.” Something very interesting was recently discovered in this remote Brazilian state – geoglyphs (huge geometric patterns carved into the earth by ancient civilizations), known in Portuguese as Os Geóglifos do Acre. These geóglifos were uncovered (sadly) after recent deforestation of the Amazon. Here is a link to a Youtube video of the news report announcing the discovery of these unique Brazilian landmarks from Brazilian TV program Fantástico. The Brazilian geoglyphs were originally found in the city Boca do Acre, and are now considered a Brazilian World Heritage site. Here are some close up pics and a 2012 New York Times article about the Acre geoglyphs.

2. AMAPÁ

Fortaleza de São José in Macapá, Amapá

surrounded by the still-untouched parts of the Brazilian Amazon, this state is showered in biological riches including diverse animal and plant life. This would be a wonderful destination for anyone who is interested in Brazilian Ecotourism. The most famous Brazilian Landmark in Amapá is the Fortaleza de São José de Macapá, located  in the capital city Macapá. This historical landmark was erected in 1782 by the Portuguese to protect the region from foreign invaders. Take a guided tour to the top to enjoy impressive views of the Brazilian Amazon River and you will also have a great opportunity to take some memorable pictures of the historic structure.

3. AMAZONAS

Teatro Amazonas in Manaus, Amazonas

Amazonas is known more for its natural beauties that its architectural ones. However, if you are in capital city of Manaus, visit the Teatro Amazonas (The Amazon Theatre). The Teatro Amazonas is a Renaissance style Brazilian landmark that has been recently restored. You are able to take a tour, or even see the orchestra perform there. Who would think that you would find such an over the top opera house in the middle of the Amazon rainforest? Yet the Amazon Theatre is definitely the “thing to see” in this remote Brazilian state.

4. PARÁ

Catedral de Sé in Belém, Pará

In Pará’s capital city of Belém, the Catedral da Sé was once a simple wooden hut. Reconstructed in 1755 by an Italian architect, the Cathedral has turned into a historical Brazilian landmark. The architecture of the Catedral da Sé is a blend of neo-Classical and Baroque-colonial styles.

5. RONDÔNIA

Forte Real Principe da Beira in Costa Marques, Rondônia

Abandoned for decades (originally built in 1786), the Real Forte Príncipe da Beira is one of the most important reminders of the Portuguese occupation of the Brazilian Amazon. This historical Brazilian landmark is currently undergoing study and restoration by archaeologists, and is turning into one of the most important touristic sites of the Brazilian Amazon region. The landmark is located in the small city of Costa Marques, which sits on the  bank of Brazil’s Guaporé River. Here is an aerial view of this impressive Brazilian landmark.

6. RORAIMA

Portal do Milênio in Boa Vista, Roraima

Roraima is one of the less explored Brazilian states, and also one of the most rich in natural attractions. As a landmark, I chose to feature the Portal do Milênio (Millennium Portal) located in the city Boa Vista, Roraima because it looks like something out of a science fiction movie. I also think that this would be a really unique Brazilian monument to photograph.

7. TOCANTINS

Praça dos Girassóis in Palmas, Tocantins

The Praça dos Girassóis  (Sunflower Plaza) is the second largest public plaza in the world and the principle tourist destination of Palmas, the capital city of Tocantins. The Sunflower Plaza features a palace that is built in a modernist architectural style (the Palácio Araguaia which is the government headquarters of Tocantins)  and various sculptural monuments, such as the Monumento dos 18 do Forte.

To Learn about Brazilian landmarks in other regions of Brazil, go to Brazilian Landmarks in the South, Brazilian Landmarks in the Southeast and Brazilian Landmarks in the Northeast.