10 Brazilian Cultural Sites to Explore from Home

Between the mighty Amazon and its many beaches, Brazil has vibrant culture and a rich history to discover

By Google Arts & Culture

Flag of Brazil (21th Century) by freepikVirtual Museum of Lusophony

Beyond the beaches, Brazil is a rich cultural cornucopia. Scroll on to explore some of the country's treasures.

Christ the Redeemer

Built between 1922 and 1931, Christ the Redeemer stands on top of the granite peak of Mount Corcovado, high above the city of Rio de Janeiro. It's a colossal monument to Catholicism, but it's also become a symbol of Brazil itself.

Selaron Stairs

It's incredible to think that this enormous tiled artwork was made by just one artist. Jorge Selarón moved to the Lapa neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro in the 1980s. In 1990, he started decorating the stairs with colourful tiles, but it took 20 years to see his vision completed.

Cathedral of Brasília

The city of Brasília was founded in 1960 as the new, planned, modernist capital city of Brazil. At its centre was the Cathedral of Brasília, a curving concrete structure that resembles a crown. But inside is where it really shines, with the stained glass shining under the sun.

Museu Histórico Nacional

Housed in the colonial-era Santiago Fort, the National Historical Museum holds some of the most important cultural artefacts and documents relating to the pre- and post-conquest civilisations of Brazil, including the Imperial throne of Pedro II of Brazil.

The Imperial Museum

The Imperial Museum occupies one of the former summer palaces of the royal family. The classical building, its formal gardens, and its extensive collection of oil paintings reflect the Portuguese heritage of the Brazilian royal family, and their desire for all things European.

Amazon Theatre

Few buildings are more ostentatious than the Amazon Theatre of Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. This Belle Époque masterpiece if built of Italian Carrara marble, Glasgow steel, and French furnishings, all paid for by the notoriously lucrative rubber industry.

Amazon trail

Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the Brazilian Amazon, a precious habitat for many species and a true wonder of nature. The Amazon covers around 60% of the country, even if it is increasingly threatened by the logging, mining, and farming industries.

Baia dos Porcos

When you're tired of trekking, take a break on the Baia dos Porcos. This beach is one of the most beautiful in Brazil, but it's also fairly inaccessible. Take a boat across the turquoise waters, or head there at low tide by hugging the coastline.

Red Beach

If you'd rather stay closer to home, try Red Beach, only a short drive from Rio de Janeiro. You'll have shops and restaurants nearby, an excellent view of Sugarloaf Mountain, and every evening you'll see the glorious sunset from which the beach takes its name.

Lily Pool Terrace (2015-07-15) by Lee PatrickBrooklyn Botanic Garden

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