Nov.5, 2010
Olinda's main church started out as a chapel and was rebuilt as a church in 1548. Located in the higher part of town, in an area named Alto da Sé (Main Church Heights), the church is one of the best spots in Olinda for panoramic views and photos.
The top of the nearby water tower, also a lookout point, becomes one of the most popular attractions during Carnival, when Spiderman descends from the top to the sound of frevo.
Alto da Sé is also the best spot in town to eat tapioca at one of many stalls.
The church was severely damaged during the fire set to Olinda by the Dutch in 1631. Reconstruction in the 18th century gave it Gothic elements, but several styles have influenced it through successive renovations.
The church's many rich details include the facade in a mix of Baroque and Colonial Renaissance and the main door - the only element which survived the 1631 fire; chapels in Baroque style with gold leaf inlays; the imposing dome; the jacaranda furniture. A second tower was built in 1713 when the church's status was raised to that of a cathedral after Olinda was incorporated as a town.
Archbishop Dom Heldér Câmara (1909-1999) was buried at the Sé Church.
Behind the Sé Church, another top Olinda attraction is a site consisting of the Nossa Senhora das Neves Church, São Roque Chapel and São Francisco Convent.
Alto da Sé
Olinda - PE
Brazil
Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Olinda's main church started out as a chapel and was rebuilt as a church in 1548. Located in the higher part of town, in an area named Alto da Sé (Main Church Heights), the church is one of the best spots in Olinda for panoramic views and photos.
The top of the nearby water tower, also a lookout point, becomes one of the most popular attractions during Carnival, when Spiderman descends from the top to the sound of frevo.
Alto da Sé is also the best spot in town to eat tapioca at one of many stalls.
The church was severely damaged during the fire set to Olinda by the Dutch in 1631. Reconstruction in the 18th century gave it Gothic elements, but several styles have influenced it through successive renovations.
The church's many rich details include the facade in a mix of Baroque and Colonial Renaissance and the main door - the only element which survived the 1631 fire; chapels in Baroque style with gold leaf inlays; the imposing dome; the jacaranda furniture. A second tower was built in 1713 when the church's status was raised to that of a cathedral after Olinda was incorporated as a town.
Archbishop Dom Heldér Câmara (1909-1999) was buried at the Sé Church.
Behind the Sé Church, another top Olinda attraction is a site consisting of the Nossa Senhora das Neves Church, São Roque Chapel and São Francisco Convent.
Address:
Alto da Sé
Olinda - PE
Brazil
Hours:
Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Source...