This church--also known as the "Santuario" (sanctuary) of Nossa Senhora da Guia--was built in the…read morelate 1500's by Carmelite monks. The church was built in a style called tropical baroque and has extravagant designs on its facade. There is also a profusion of tropical fruits, crowns, scepters, weapons from the Portuguese Colonial Empire and skulls. It been listed by the Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage of the State of Paraíba since May 16, 1949. This church contains the largest limestone altar in Brazil. Many buggy tours will take you here from the nearby capitol of Joao Pessoa, but you certainly can get here yourself by car.

This church was originally built on the highest point in the city of Olinda in 1537. When the…read moreDutch invaded in 1631, the church and much of the city was burned. It was rebuilt in 1676, when it was elevated to the status of a Cathedral. Definitely worth a visit!