São Luís do Maranhão: the Island of Love
Elected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, São Luís, the capital of the state of Maranhão, is located on a charming island.
Also known as the “Ilha do amor” [Island of Love], São Luís is home to incredible natural beauty, fascinating historic centers and delicious cuisine.
Historical heritage in Maranhão
The city’s historic center, recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, is made up of around 4,000 buildings of great historical and artistic value, such as churches, buildings, tiled mansions, fountains, monuments, squares and staircases.
Located on the shores of São Marcos Bay, the place is ideal for walks full of history. There you can visit places such as the Igreja Matriz da Sé, one of the riches of sacred art in Brazil, and the Fonte das Pedras, a fountain built by the Dutch in the 17th century.
The historic center is also home to the Palácio dos Leões, the seat of the Government of Maranhão, which has approximately 3,000 square meters of built area. It is worth visiting for its sumptuous architecture and the relics that can be seen inside.
Fun facts
Rua do Giz, located in the historic center of São Luís, is full of historic mansions and has been voted one of the most beautiful streets in Brazil.
São Luís is the birthplace of Maria Firmina dos Reis, considered the first black novelist in Brazil, and a pioneer in abolitionist literature in the country.
Unlike the rest of the Brazilian cities, São Luís was not founded by the Portuguese, but by the French. The city was even named after the then King of France, Louis XVIII.
Culture and artistic expression
The cultural manifestations of São Luís are present in famous popular festivals, such as Bumba Meu Boi, included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and Tambor de Crioula, a dance with African roots that fills the city streets during the month of June.
Culture is also very present in handicrafts, with beautiful lace, ceramics, sculptures, decorative items and clothing items taking shape from elements from the region itself. It is worth visiting the Maranhão Handicraft Products Sales Center (Ceprama) to take home beautiful examples of this art.
Rich and regional cuisine
In addition to visiting historical sites, it is also possible to learn about the history of Maranhão through its cuisine. Regional flavors include many seafood dishes and dishes prepared with local ingredients, such as cuxá rice, shrimp stew and the traditional buriti sweet.
Urban Afrotourism
To celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture in São Luís, a visit to the Quilombo Cultural Route is a must. Discover the largest urban quilombo in Latin America, which spans the neighborhoods of Liberdade, Diamante, Fé em Deus and Camboa. In this ancestral experience, visitors enter the daily lives of the communities and immerse themselves in workshops on Tambor de Crioula, Percussion, Afro Dance, Reggae and Bumba Meu Boi, among other unforgettable experiences.
A journey through time and local culture
São Luís is a city that mesmerizes with its historical and cultural richness. Its colonial mansions, the vibrancy of its festivities and the delicious fusion of local flavors make it a unique destination. São Luís is a journey through time in harmony with the authenticity of the local culture, guaranteeing visitors an enriching and unforgettable experience.
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