Mankind's Cultural Heritage in Brazil

Cultural Treasures and the Brazilian Diversity

Traveling the Brazilian territory is discovering that the racial and cultural mix of its people is its greatest legacy. Since the arrival of the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, immigrants from different parts of the world disembarked in the Country, bringing together with them their histories, traditions, architectural styles. That diversity becomes evident when we analyze the Brazil sites that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by Unesco.

The time line of the Brazilian culture and architecture comprises from the European manors of Olinda, in the state of Pernambuco, to the modern project of Brasília, the country’s capital. The beauty of the Baroque style of the historical cities of the state of Minas Gerais, like Diamantina, whose history was marked not only by the Gold mining, but also for the discovery of diamonds, catches the eye of the visitors.

The Colonial Brazil is also present in the steep alleys of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, which still preserve their original paving. The town preserves the sacred art of two famous Brazilian sculptors: Ataíde and Aleijadinho. The latter is also the creator of the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos (Shrine of the Good Jesus from Matosinhos), a Baroque masterpiece formed by 66 wooden statues representing the steps of the Passion of the Christ, located in the town of Congonhas do Campo, in the state of Minas Gerais.

What to say about the historical center of São Luís, the capital city of the state of Maranhão, which has the greatest preserved architectural group of Portuguese origin in the Country? And what about the Pilot Plan of Brasília, which every year draws professionals from all over the World, eager to see the architectural plan of wide avenues that grant special value the delicacy of the flower beds created by landscape architect Burle Marx? That is Brazil: a country that has 17 sites listed as World Heritage Sites by Unesco, due to their exceptional and unique value for mankind's culture.