waterfront · Benevides, PA
Orla de Benfica
On the Benfica River, the district's waterfront was revitalized with kiosks, leisure areas and a riverside promenade. Benfica has a historic role: on March 30, 1884, the province's first letters of manumission were signed there.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Orla de Benfica
The Orla de Benfica is in the district of Benfica, in Benevides, in the Belém Metropolitan Region. It is the bank of the Benfica River set up for leisure: kiosks, a children's area, decks over the water and a ramp down to the river.
The place combines Amazon river scenery with district life. The far bank is dense forest, the water is calm and the late afternoon is usually the most popular time, to watch the sunset and eat regional dishes by the river.
Benevides holds an important date in Pará's history. On March 30, 1884, four years before the Golden Law that abolished slavery in Brazil, a formal ceremony granted freedom to all enslaved people living in what was then the Benevides settlement, the first in the Amazon to do so. In Benfica, near the waterfront, stand the main church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the square of the same name, with an old mansion that served as a registry office and holds records from that time.
The waterfront also hosts events on the town calendar, such as Carnival. The stroll is flat and easy, good for families and for anyone who wants a quiet break outside Belém.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to three hours, including a stroll, a meal and the sunset.
Best time
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset over the river; in the second half of the year, the less rainy season in the region, the sky is usually clearer.
How to get there
In the district of Benfica, in the municipality of Benevides, in the Belém Metropolitan Region. From Belém, drive along the BR-316 to Benevides and from there to the district.
Tip
Watch out for the river current, which gets strong at low tide: there is a warning sign on the waterfront itself, and if you go into the water, take extra care, especially with children.
A look at the place
Orla de Benfica in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Orla de Benfica
Where is the Orla de Benfica?
In the district of Benfica, in Benevides, in the Belém Metropolitan Region, on the bank of the Benfica River.
What is there at the Orla de Benfica?
Kiosks with regional food, a children's area, decks over the river and a ramp down to the water. It is a good place to watch the sunset.
Can you swim in the river at the Orla de Benfica?
There is access to the river, but the waterfront itself warns that the current gets strong at low tide. Go in carefully and keep an eye on children.
What is Benevides's connection to abolition?
On March 30, 1884, four years before the Golden Law abolished slavery in Brazil, Benevides freed all enslaved people in its territory, the first place in the Amazon to do so.
How much time should I allow for the visit?
One to three hours, to stroll, eat and wait for the sunset.