Visiting Brazil: Home to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

1. Historic Town of Ouro Preto: Once the epicenter of the gold rush of the 18th century, Ouro Preto is a quintessential example of colonial architecture in Brazil. Its winding streets, baroque churches and colonial buildings, many of which were designed by the renowned artist Aleijadinho, tell the tales of a time of both opulence and colonial exploitation.

The city is a testament to the fusion of European culture and indigenous building techniques that characterize the region. Visiting Ouro Preto is like stepping back in time, offering a unique glimpse into Brazil's rich history.

2. Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda: Olinda is a symbol of the Brazilian Renaissance, showcasing a blend of the original Portuguese colonial architecture with later Dutch influence. Situated on the country’s northeastern coast, the town is adorned with small chapels, large monasteries and impressive baroque churches.

Its colorful buildings, artisan studios and vibrant cultural scene make it a lively, captivating place for visitors. The preservation of its historical legacy in the face of modern pressures makes Olinda a significant cultural treasure.

3. Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: The ruins of São Miguel das Missões, located in Rio Grande do Sul, are all that remain of a series of Jesuit Missions established in the 17th and 18th centuries to evangelize the Guaraní people. These ruins are a poignant reminder of cultural and religious integration, as well as the tragic conflicts that arose between European settlers and the indigenous peoples of South America. They serve as a vital link to understanding the region's colonial history.

4. Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia: As the first colonial capital of Brazil, Salvador is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. This vibrant city's history is deeply intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade, and it remains a center of Afro-Brazilian culture today.

The Pelourinho district, in particular, is famous for its well-preserved Renaissance colonial buildings and lively street festivals. Salvador is a city where past and present coexist, offering insights into the enduring impact of cultural exchange.

5. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas: This basilica, along with its associated sculptures by Aleijadinho, stands as a masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque art. The soapstone statues of the prophets and the wooden sculptures of the Passion of Christ are considered some of Aleijadinho’s finest works. This sanctuary is not only a place of religious significance but also a remarkable artistic and cultural treasure that reflects the unique spiritual landscape of Brazil.

6. Iguaçu National Park: Home to the spectacular Iguaçu Falls, which are taller and twice as wide as Niagara Falls, this park spans the border between Brazil and Argentina. It hosts a rare and diverse ecosystem, being a remnant of the Atlantic Forest, which has mostly disappeared elsewhere across Brazil and Argentina. The park is a haven for numerous rare and endangered species, including the jaguar and the broad-snouted caiman. Its extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity make it a critical area for conservation and a breathtaking destination for visitors.

7. Brasília (my hometown!): The capital city of Brazil, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, is a landmark in the history of urban planning and architecture.

The layout of the city, resembling an airplane from above, was intended to spread governmental functions across various sectors while allowing ample room for future growth. Brasília is a symbol of national development and Brazil's move towards modernity and the entire city was declared a UNESCO site, how cool is that?

8. Serra da Capivara National Park: This park contains the oldest prehistoric rock paintings in the Americas, offering an unprecedented view of life 25,000 years ago. It's not only an archaeological treasure but also a beautiful natural landscape, with unique flora and fauna. The site is crucial for understanding the early habitation in South America.

9. Historic Centre of São Luís: The capital of Maranhão is famous for its stunning Portuguese colonial architecture, with tiled facades, cobbled streets and grand mansions. This city is a living museum of 17th and 18th-century architecture.

10. Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves: This site encompasses a large portion of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most endangered and biodiverse forests. It is home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna, including many rare and endemic species.

11. Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves ("Costa do Descobrimento"): Like the South-East Reserves, the Discovery Coast preserves another segment of the Atlantic Forest, particularly noted for its wide variety of bird species. This area is named for its historical significance as the first land in Brazil spotted by Portuguese explorers. Its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems make it a critical area for biodiversity conservation. More information can be typically found on regional environmental or tourism websites.

12. Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina: Diamantina, nestled in the rugged mountains of Minas Gerais, was a center of diamond mining in the 18th and 19th centuries. The well-preserved colonial architecture and cobbled streets of the town reflect the wealth and social structure of its historical period, providing a vivid picture of Brazil's colonial past.

13. Central Amazon Conservation Complex: This is one of the planet's richest regions in terms of biodiversity. It includes vast rainforests and a complex network of rivers, sustaining an incredible variety of plant and animal life. The area plays a critical role in the study of ecological and evolutionary processes.

14. Pantanal Conservation Area: The Pantanal is one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas, home to a mind-boggling array of plant and animal species, including the jaguar and the hyacinth macaw. It is an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary of breathtaking beauty and is crucial for biodiversity conservation.

15. Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves: These volcanic islands are renowned for their pristine beaches, clear waters and marine life, including the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic. Fernando de Noronha is particularly famous for its dolphin population and excellent diving conditions.

16. Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks: These parks protect the Cerrado, a unique Brazilian savannah known for its high biodiversity, including many endemic species. The dramatic landscapes, with ancient rock formations, waterfalls and vast plains, offer magnificent scenery and a haven for wildlife.

17. Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás: Also known as Goiás Velho, the Town of Goiás was the former capital of the state and is an exceptional example of a European town adapted to the conditions of the Americas. It retains a rich collection of architecture from the colonial period, reflecting the fusion of cultures that is characteristic of Brazil.

18. São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão: This square is a unique example of the Spanish colonial town, reflecting a blend of cultures between Europe and the Americas. The Franciscan complex is a notable example of the religious architecture in the Brazilian northeast.

19. Rio de Janeiro, Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea: Recognized for its breathtaking landscape that blends the mountains, the sea and the urban city, Rio de Janeiro symbolizes the beauty of the city with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain and beautiful beaches.

20. Pampulha Modern Ensemble: A cultural and architectural complex in Belo Horizonte, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The Pampulha Modern Ensemble includes a series of buildings set around a lake, illustrating the integration of architecture, landscape design and the arts.

21. Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site: Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, the Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site encompasses the historical remnants of the wharf area, which was the landing place and center for the African slaves brought to Brazil during the colonial period.

Uncovered during renovation works for the 2016 Olympics, the site serves as a significant memorial to the harsh realities and suffering endured by millions of Africans who were brought to Brazil. The site represents a critical piece of Brazil's history, acknowledging the brutal impact of the slave trade and serving as a monument to African heritage and resilience.

22. Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity: These areas represent a mixture of cultural and natural heritage, located between the Serra da Bocaina mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Paraty is known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture, while Ilha Grande boasts pristine beaches, lush forests and a rich biodiversity. Together, Paraty and Ilha Grande illustrate the harmonious interaction between humans and nature, showcasing sustainable development practices over centuries.

23. Sítio Roberto Burle Marx: The newest addition to the list, this site is named after the Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. It includes his former residence, a modernist house, studio and a collection of gardens located in Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro.

The site embodies his creative work and is a testament to his influence in landscape design, plant conservation and artistic expression. The gardens feature an array of native plants and reflect Burle Marx's commitment to Brazilian flora and landscape heritage.