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Although Recife is the fourth-largest city in Brazil, it
is less modern and cosmopolitan than its more famous counterparts. Recife and its environs
have only recently become a tourist destination, so visitors are often a novelty for its
inhabitants, especially those of the neighboring fishing villages.
Recife's name was derived from the Portuguese word for reef, referring simply to the
city's situation behind a long and protective coastal reef. Recife is a major port city,
and much of its energy and culture has its source in the constant influx and outflow of
trade. High rises, colonial churches, and markets quilt the city with a mix of old and
new. Often called the Venice of Brazil for its many canals, bridges, and tiny one-way
streets, Recife is a wonderful city in which to wander about, letting chance provide a
memorable discovery or two.
The wealthy Boa Viagem district provides a good home base. This waterfront area is
Recife's real center, possessing both the city's finest beach and a wealth of fine
restaurants. Much of Recife's nightlife is here, as well as in Gracas. From there, the old
city can be explored as well. Beginning at the Praca da Republica, one canvisit the
impres- sive, 19th-century Teatro Santa Isabel and proceed to the Catedral de Sao
Pedro dos Clerigos. After passing through the colorful Mercado do Sao Jose -Saint
John'sMarket- visitors can wind up a walking tour of the old city at the Basilica de
NS da Penha.
Recife's deep cultural roots are notable, and its traditional cultural activities should
not be over- looked. Recife is one of Brazil's richest places to explore folk art
and craft, including music, dance, sculpture, and painting. Its traditional
handicrafts include clay figurines, wood sculptures, leather goods, and woven straw, all
to be found at festivals and markets around the city as well as at the Casa da Cultura de
Recife -Recife's Cultural Centre.
Copyright (c) 1998 interKnowledge Corp. All rights reserved.
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