Tourism is among the reasons why the economy in João Pessoa is booming. From its historical sites, museums, and parks, the city has a lot in store for its visitors throughout the world.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
João Pessoa, with over 400 years of history, has held on to many of its historical treasures. A number of its landmarks and sites give tourists a glimpse of the city’s past. Among these is the Barroco Park – one of Brazil’s largest – which showcases colonial mansions. The area provides an overview of an era in town prior to its independence.
The Theatro Santa Roza and Redenção Palace are included in the significant landmarks as well. The first being one of Brazil’s oldest theaters built in 1889, while the second used to be the location of the old Jesuits convent and now home to the State Government. The Santa Catarina Fortress is something that tourists should not miss too when in the city. Constructed in 1586 to protect the city from the Dutch, the fortress features a chapel, captain’s house, and cannons that date back in the 16th Century.
Churches, Saint Francis, which is in Baroque style built in 1589, and São Frei Pedro Gonçalves, which was constructed in 1843, are not to be missed as well as far as the city’s history is a concern.
Museums
Going further in exploring the capital’s history, João Pessoa has a number of museums too. This includes Museum of Cultural Center of Saint Francis which exhibits Baroque and Religious art; José Lins do Rego Museum which has a wide collection of the works of Rego – one of Paraiba’s major writers; and Espaço Energia which takes its visitors through electricity’s history. People would also be interested in the remains of the sunken ships in the Ocean Museum of Cabedelo.
Parks
Aside from its historical treasures, parks in João Pessoa are considered by many visitors to be a beauty as well. The Solon de Lucena Park (also known as Lagoa), located in the capital’s commercial center, presents a wide range of golden trumpet trees, imperial palm trees, and acacias which are the city’s tree symbol. Arruda Câmara Park on the other hand, which is also referred to as Bica, highlights a classic mineral water fountain; it also has a botanic garden, zoo, and leisure areas.
And these are just some of the things that your João Pessoa itineraries should include. Other than these landmarks and sites, there are more awaiting tourists in the city.