Historic center of Natal, Historic district in Natal, Brazil

The historic center of Natal is a city district containing buildings from different style periods, ranging from colonial to modern structures. The narrow street layout and varied architectural layers show the long development of the place.

The Historic Center covers 201,278 m² across Cidade Alta and Ribeira, the city's oldest neighbourhoods, plus buildings in Tirol and Petrópolis. Its 150 properties span colonial, neoclassical, art deco and modernist styles. The narrow, irregular streets follow the layout of Portuguese colonial towns. Two monuments, the old Government Palace and Sobradinho, are individually listed by IPHAN.

The Beco da Lama, a bohemian zone that grew out of Dr. José Ivo Street into the neighbouring lanes of Cidade Alta, was chosen as a heritage site by the community itself. Since 2008 the Caminhada Histórica do Natal has led residents and visitors on a guided walk past the main monuments and old streets each year.

The area is best explored on foot since narrow streets and squares are made for walking. Visitors should allow time to wander through different quarters and observe the varying building styles as they move around.

The Beco da Lama, a bohemian lane off Rua Dr. José Ivo in Cidade Alta, spread into the neighbouring streets and was declared a heritage site by the community itself rather than by a government decree. Two buildings of the centre, the old Government Palace and the Sobradinho, are individually listed by IPHAN.