São Luís, Colonial capital in Maranhão, Brazil
Description
São Luís is the capital of Maranhão on an island between São Marcos Bay and São José Bay, sitting at about 4 meters (13 feet) elevation. The historic center shows streets lined with Portuguese colonial architecture in stone and decorated tiles.
History
French officer Daniel de la Touche founded the settlement in 1612, naming it after King Louis XIII. Portuguese forces captured the city in 1615 and developed it into the regional capital over the following centuries.
Culture
The city honors French King Louis XIII in its name, though it remained under French control for only three years. Visitors today see Portuguese azulejos covering the facades of many buildings in the center, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Practical
The city sits on an island connected by bridges to the mainland, so travelers can plan connections to other cities in Maranhão. The central area is walkable, with many streets paved in cobblestone.
Did you know?
The Institute of History and Geography stands among the earliest research institutions of its kind in Brazil. The deep-water port of Itaqui plays a major role in exporting aluminum, steel, and agricultural products from the region.
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Palace of the Lions
556 m
Historic Centre of São Luís
420 m
Catedral de São Luís
303 m
Ribeirão Fountain
234 m
Casa das Minas
1.1 km
Government of Maranhão
527 m
Convent of Mercy
451 m
Museu do Reggae do Maranhão
566 m
Sítio Rangedor State Park
5.3 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
1 km
Palácio de la Ravardière
418 m
Praça Benedito Leite
472 m
Convento e Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
44 m
Praça Gonçalves Dias
1.1 km
Praça João Lisboa
123 m
Museum of Visual Arts
5.5 km
The City’s Fortification System
3.3 kmCasa Fanti-Ashanti
8.8 km
Maranhao's House
543 m
Mercado das Tulhas
385 m
Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão
436 m
Praia de São Marcos
5.1 km
Museu de Arte Sacra
498 mBeco Catarina Mina
416 m
Church of Saint Joseph of the Exile
635 mPedras Fountain
453 m
Bacanga State Park
7.6 km
Benedito Leite Public Library
833 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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