They say that the name “Olinda” originates from the words of a Portuguese Nobleman, Duarte Coelho, Pernambuco’s High Commissioner, when he searched for a place to establish a settlement. Upon finding a hill with a magnificent sea view and a natural harbour protected by reefs, he said: “ Oh, beautiful place to build a village”. (“Oh, beautiful”, translated from the Portuguese: “Oh, linda”, thus the name “Olinda”). Truth or legend, what matters is that the town is really very beautiful.   From its foundation onwards, the village prospered in trade and became wealthy. However, the Dutch invaded it in 1630. After setting the town on fire, they abandoned it and moved to Recife, then just a seaport. Only after the invaders were driven out in 1654 did the village’s reconstruction begin.   Much was preserved from that time: part of the original urban layout, old baroque churches and houses. Together, they comprise an important architectural collection, making Olinda part of the World Cultural Heritage. They also set the scenario for one of the most original Carnivals in the country in street games, music and dance.  It is quite rewarding to go out on the streets of the town and admire the landscape blending in with the blue of the sea, the green of its vegetation and the beauty of its historical buildings. It is a pleasurable place also for lovers of good restaurants, authentic craftwork and art studios.

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