A hill of churches above Recife, and one of the birthplaces of Brazilian Carnival. Baroque convents and pastel houses climb to viewpoints over the sea, while giant papier-mache puppets and the frenetic frevo wait for February.
Articles
Alto da Se: The Summit Cathedral That Crowns Olinda's Founding Hill
Companion·5 min
Olinda: The Hill the Dutch Burned and the Portuguese Rebuilt
Cultural·5 min
Olinda Travel Guide: How Many Days, Getting Around, When to Go (2026)
Cultural·5 min
One Day in Olinda: A Walkable Hilltop Itinerary (2026)
Cultural·6 min
What to Eat in Olinda: A Pernambuco Food Guide (2026)
Cultural·4 min
The Convento de São Francisco: Brazil's Oldest Franciscan Convent, in Blue and Gold
Companion·6 min
The Homem da Meia-Noite: The Giant That Opens Olinda's Carnival at Midnight
Companion·7 min
The Olinda Altar That Crossed an Ocean to Stand on Fifth Avenue
Companion·6 min
Olinda vs Recife: Which to Stay In, and How to See Both
Cultural·4 min
Best Self-Guided Walking Tours in Olinda (2026)
Cultural·3 min
