worldaltem: Day 55 , Friday March 10 Recife, Brazil

Day 55 Fri March 10 Recife, Brazil 8-6:00

Uploading pictures on Oceania's ship is extremely frustrating.

Survey the top landmarks of Recife as you travel the city – and its scenic bridges – by motor coach.

Be awed by the sheer amount of gold adorning the walls, altars and ceilings of the Golden Chapel.

Switch to minivan to traverse the narrow lanes of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage colonial city established in 1535. Step off to explore Olinda’s hilltop Alto da Sé square on foot, visiting two important churches and more.

Take to the streets of Recife and neighboring Olinda by coach, minivan and on foot to take in their signature sights. Set out from the pier by coach – headed into Recife, a large bustling city slivered by canals and bridges, to visit the flamboyantly glistening Golden Chapel. This Brazilian baroque gem, clad in a seriously jaw-dropping amount of gold, has been an icon of the city for over three centuries. Travel on past the imposing Governor’s Mansion and historic St. Isabel Theater, then along shady streets lined with whitewashed stucco houses and landmark churches as you head toward the UNESCO-listed, 16th-century colonial town of Olinda. At Carmo Square, you’ll switch from coach to minivan to probe the narrow, winding streets leading to your next destination – Olinda’s central square, the Alto da Sé. Here on the crest of the town’s highest hill, you’ll leave your motorized transport behind to explore this highly picturesque terrain on foot, with in-depth focus on the Sé Cathedral and Misericordia Church. It’s a district where colorfully decorated Portuguese tiles and gold-leafed woodcarvings set the tone. Retracing your steps back to the Recife pier, imagine the immense colonial bounty that once fueled all this ornamentation.

Olinda is a 16th century colonial town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since1982. Praca do Carmo is a charming plaza. Narrow winding cobblestone streets pass through the historic center. The main square is named Alto do Se and lies on the top of the town’s highest hill. Old Town Olinda is near the port.

Se Cathedral in Olinda

Se Cathedral in Olinda above and below.

Se Cathedral

This is the original floor and tiled wall.

Visit the flamboyantly glistening Golden Chapel. This Brazilian baroque gem, clad in a seriously jaw-dropping amount of gold, has been an icon of the city for over three centuries.

The painting is from the Japan. When missionaries first arrived in the Japan, the leaders were pleased believing this would reduce the power of the Buddhist monks. As time went on, the leaders feared the missionaries and placed a ban on them. Christianity was repressed as a threat to national unity. The missionaries were killed by crucifixion for being more loyal to Jesus than the Shoganate. The Catholic Church viewed them as martyrs.