Cultural and historical tourism

In cultural tourism, the traveler chooses a destination for what it preserves of history and culture. The Ministry of Tourism defines the segment by experiencing historical and cultural heritage, the tangible, such as manor houses, churches, forts, theaters and ruins, and the intangible, such as trades and know-how passed down through generations. Visiting monuments and sites of historical events is called civic tourism.

In Brazil, assets protected at the national level are listed by Iphan, the institute for historical heritage. Some ensembles also have the title of World Heritage, given by UNESCO to places of value for all humanity. The title does not change the visit, but it usually indicates a well-preserved historic center, with continuous historic houses, signage and guides who know the place.

Three related subjects form other types of trips when they are the main reason: popular festivals, typical cuisine and places of faith. Here, churches enter by architecture and history.

In Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto was the first place in Brazil to receive the World Heritage title, in 1980. The city was born from the gold rush in the 18th century and brings together Baroque churches with works by Aleijadinho, the Museum of the Inconfidência and old mines that receive visitors. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis preserves the memory of the Empire: the former summer palace of Dom Pedro II is the Imperial Museum. On the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Paraty has a colonial center by the sea, with cobbled streets that the high tide often floods in part.

In the Northeast, Salvador was Brazil's first capital, from 1549 to 1763; the Pelourinho concentrates churches and two‑story houses, and forts built from the 16th century guard the bay entrance. Olinda, in Pernambuco, spreads convents and artists' and artisans' studios along hills with views of the sea. In São Luís, Maranhão, the downtown two‑story houses have facades covered in Portuguese tiles.

In the Center‑West, Brasília, inaugurated in 1960, is a World Heritage Site for its urban plan and the modern architecture of its palaces and monuments. In Rio Grande do Sul, São Miguel das Missões preserves the ruins of the church of an 18th‑century Jesuit‑Guarani reduction.

Two to three full days are usually enough for a medium‑sized historic town; capitals like Salvador need more. A good itinerary links nearby towns: in Minas, for example, several are a few hours' drive from each other, and a car gives the freedom to stop in districts and viewpoints.

In your luggage, the main item is a closed shoe with a sole that won’t slip on stone. In churches with services, discreet clothing and silence are requested; in many interiors, photography is not allowed.

A licensed tour guide makes a difference on this kind of trip, because much of the history isn’t written on the walls. A half-day walking tour right after arrival helps you understand the city and choose what to see more calmly in the following days.