Recife Landmarks and Monuments

(Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil)

Many historical structures, buildings and monuments stand around the city centre, dating back as far as the 17th century and built by the colonizing Dutch and Portuguese. The area known as 'Recife Antigo' (Old Recife) forms the oldest and most attractive part of the downtown district and is situated close to the harbour.

One of the most important landmarks still standing in modern-day Recife, the Marco Polo Monument may be relatively small, but it marks the very spot where the city was actually founded in the year of 1537. Additional interesting sights worth seeing include both the Synagoga Kahal Zur Israel w Recife (Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue) and the Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel).

Synagoga Kahal Zur Israel w Recife (Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue)

Address: Rua do Bom Jesus 197, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 081 3224 2128
Built in the 17th century, the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue ranks as one of the oldest of its kind in the whole of Latin America and was founded by a group of Portuguese Jews. Recently restored and reopened, the synagogue plays an important part in documenting the city's history and enjoys a prominent situation on the Rua do Bom Jesus, close to the Teatro de Mamulengo.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 15:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Centro Cultural Torre Malakoff (Malakoff Tower Cultural Centre)

Address: Praca Arsenal da Marinha, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, BR
Construction of the Torre Malakoff began in 1835 and lasted 20 years, with this monument being officially inaugurated in 1855, when it was used as both an observatory and a stylish gateway to the Praca Arsenal da Marinha (Navy Arsenal's Square). Distinctly pale yellow in colour, the Malakoff Tower was thoroughly renovated at the end of the 20th century and currently serves as an important cultural venue, hosting various exhibitions, local events and social gatherings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 15:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge

Marco Polo Monument / Marco Polo Square

Address: Praca Rio Branco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, BR
Surrounded by a broad square and a labyrinth of narrow streets, the Marco Polo Monument is located close to the waterfront and often referred to as simply the 'Marco Zero'. Just a short distance to the north is the Rua Bom Jesus, which also goes by the name of the Rua dos Judeos (Jews' Street), due to the high concentration of Jewish businesses that appeared here during the Dutch rule of the 17th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel)

Address: Rua do Imperador, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, BR
Located on the Rua do Imperador, on the southern side of the Praca de Republica, the Capela Dourada is perhaps better known to English tourists as simply the 'Golden Chapel'. This important religious building began its life as far back as 1696 and is therefore of particular historical significance in Recife. With Brazilian baroque architecture and a lavish interior filled with painted walls and ceilings, the Capela Dourada is close to a series of shops, as well as the plentiful eateries of the Patio de Sao Pedro.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 11:30, 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 08:00 to 11:30
Admission: free