A Town That Preserves Its History Through Tiles: Introducing the World Heritage Site Historic Centre of São Luís!

São Luís, the capital of Maranhão State in Brazil, is located on São Luís Island, surrounded by the Mearim, Itapecuru, and Pindaré Rivers in São Marcos Bay. São Luís is known as the only city in Brazil founded by the French. Its beautiful townscape, blending French and Portuguese cultures, is scenery truly worthy of being a World Heritage Site.
São Luís is well-preserved and popular with tourists, offering plenty of attractions born from its diverse historical background. This time, we’ll introduce the charms of São Luís, a World Heritage Site full of history!

What is the Historic Centre of São Luís?

In 1612, the French arrived from Europe and built a fortress here, naming the place Saint Louis, marking the beginning of today’s São Luís, a World Heritage town. However, only three years later, the Portuguese invaded.
Influenced by both France and Portugal, São Luís became a beautiful city of tiles. Today, it is one of Brazil’s foremost tourist spots, known as a World Heritage Site with many unique preserved buildings.
The Historic Centre of São Luís is one of the largest areas in Latin America with well-preserved Portuguese architecture, making it historically invaluable. Beautiful tiles adorn buildings throughout, creating a unique atmosphere.
Some traffic signals are even tiled. Walking around São Luís, spotting these details can be fun. The district is full of historic Portuguese-style buildings, making it a highly rewarding sightseeing experience!

How to Access the Historic Centre of São Luís

Three Highlights of the Historic Centre of São Luís

1. Sé Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Historic Centre, Sé Cathedral was built in 1622 and is a symbolic landmark of São Luís. The building was renovated in 1922, giving it a beautifully maintained appearance. The square in front of the cathedral serves as a relaxing spot for both locals and tourists. Its pure white façade stands out beautifully against the blue sky. Though its exterior is simple without tiles, it is one of the larger buildings in São Luís and a must-see World Heritage spot.
Inside, the design features refreshing tones of white, blue, and gold. The unique atmosphere, combining freshness and sanctity, is worth experiencing—so step inside as well. Being in a central location, it’s also a great base for exploring the historic district. If you visit São Luís, don’t miss it!

2. Streets of Tiles

Nicknamed the “City of Tiles,” the Historic Centre of São Luís is lined with charming tile-clad buildings that preserve the Portuguese influence. In the 18th century, when the city prospered through plantation agriculture, decorating houses with Portuguese tiles was a symbol of wealth. Many buildings in the district remain covered in these tiles, preserving the grandeur of that era.
Although time has left some damage, the beauty befitting a World Heritage Site remains intact. In the areas where wealthy families once lived, balconies with ornate decorations are a highlight. These intricately crafted balconies are truly worth seeing.

3. Maranhão State Palace

The Maranhão State Palace is one of the most iconic and beautiful historic buildings in São Luís, making it a popular tourist spot within the World Heritage district. With its clean white and beige exterior, it is a striking sight. In front of the palace stands a statue of the French naval officer who built the original fort of Saint Louis.
Although the fort was built by the French, it was taken over by the Portuguese within a few years and later used as a palace. The lion statues in front of the building are iconic symbols. This is a must-see among the World Heritage structures.

Precautions

As with other areas of Brazil, safety can be an issue depending on the location. Caution is needed in the Historic Centre of São Luís as well, particularly depending on the time of day. Be sure to check local safety information beforehand. On Sundays and holidays, when many offices and shops are closed, the streets can become deserted, so it’s better to visit during weekdays in the daytime when more people are around. Also, since daytime temperatures can get very high, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks inside cool buildings.

◎Summary

The Historic Centre of São Luís, a proud World Heritage Site of Brazil, fascinates visitors with its charming Portuguese-style streets. With many valuable historic buildings remaining, simply strolling around is enjoyable.
Though São Luís is said to have some safety concerns, by staying cautious, you can still enjoy the bright, lively Latin atmosphere of this wonderful town. Be sure to stay safe and fully experience the beauty of the World Heritage city of São Luís!

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A Town That Preserves Its History Through Tiles: Introducing the World Heritage Site Historic Centre of São Luís!