Belém, Brazil

Panoramic Belém

Historic Sights of the Amazon’s First European City Take a scenic journey through vibrant Belém, passing its historic sites and iconic buildings. The “Gateway to the Amazon River,” the city became the region’s first European colony upon its founding by the Portuguese in 1616. Board your motor coach by Ver-o-Peso, the bustling waterfront market that is almost as old as the city itself. Drive past the 18th-century Our Lady of Grace Cathedral and the imposing stone facade of the Forte do Presépio, built at the time of the city’s founding to protect it from attacks by the French and Dutch. Head into the heart of the old city to see the Emílio Goeldi Museum, home to a large collection of indigenous flora and fauna, and the neoclassical Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile. You will also visit the Paz Theater, opened in 1874 and considered one of Brazil’s most import cultural institutions, en route to your ship. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.