With less than 30 days to the World Cup, ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, highlights attractions of the 12 host cities in this two series piece.
A former colonial territory, official record credits a Portuguese explorer, Pedro Alvares Cabral, as the man who discovered Brazil even though there is a mention of one Vicente Yanez Pinon, a Spaniard who was believed to have landed on a site closer to the present day Recife (one of the host cities of the World Cup) around January 26, 1500. Cabral’s fleet was believed to have sailed into present day Bahia on April 22, 1500. Since 1530, the Portuguese Crown ruled the country for centuries until September 7, 1822 when Dom Pedro I declared the country’s independence.
From that point on the country was governed by an imperial dynasty which was later terminated by a military coup led by Marshal Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca, forcing Emperor Dom Pedro II to abdicate in November 1889. The country became a republic however under military regime and it was not until 1985 that it enjoyed democratic rule. The country’s president, Dilma Rousseff, got into power in 2011 and since had faced the task of steering the economy and barrages of public uprising over the hosting of the World Cup topping the list.
Though an agrarian society, Brazil has also witnessed industrial and economic growth of some sort. Amongst its natural resources are coal and iron ore, a notable coffee production country with nearly half of the world’s coffee produced by it with such cities as Sao Paulo, Parana, Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais predominantly coffee production enclaves
The country’s other agrarian produce include sugar cane, which is also used as fuels for specially designed vehicles, ricin, cocoa, corn and oranges as well soy, tobacco, potato, cotton, rice, wheat, manioc and bananas. It also boasts vast and rich rainforest and rates as oil producing country and one of the members of the BRICS countries. Geographically, Brazil is regarded as the largest country in South America, spanning over half of the region with the Atlantic Ocean flanking its eastern coastline while it shares borders with Venezuela, Guyana, French Guyana and Surinam to the north.
To its west are Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru, while Colombia is to the northwest and Uruguay to the south. Of all the countries in South America, only Chile and Ecuador do not border Brazil. The country’s landmass covers 8,547,404 square kilometers with about 190 million people, making it the fifth largest country on the planet with Russia, China, Canada and the United States in the lead. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have about the largest population while its capital city, Brasilia has a population of 2,094,000 (2003 estimates).
The country is divided into five regions (Centre-West, North, Northeast, South and Southeast); these regions are further divided into 26 states plus the Federal District that houses the Brazilian capital, Brasília. The official language is Portuguese but other languages such as German, Italy, Spanish and some indigenous languages are spoken as well. About 75 per cent of the country’s inhabitants are Catholics whilst another 26 million are Protestants. Football is like an industry and the most popular sports and pastime of the people, from the street corners, beaches, parks and fields, the game is played and cherished by both the young and aged. Over the years the country has won different accolades in the game of football ranging from regional to the global level.
Honour roll for the country include five FIFA World Cups, eight Copa Americas, four FIFA Under-20 World Cups, three FIFA Under-17 World Cups, two FIFA Confederations Cups, four FIFA Futsal World Cups, three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups and dozens of continental trophies.
Porto Alegre
It is one of southern Brazil’s famed and rich port city, located on the banks of the huge freshwater Lagoa dos Patos and a key player in Mercosul (the South American free-trade agreement). Just like many Brazilian states and cities, it is an immigrants city founded in 1742 by immigrants from the Portuguese archipelago of Azores, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul was the destination of thousands of immigrants from Portugal, Italy, Germany and Poland. Its 497 square kilometres are covered with more than one million trees, making it one of the greenest cities in Brazil, despite being the nucleus of the fourthmost populous metropolitan area in the country, with roughly four million inhabitants.
Attractions
There is plenty to see, feel and explore in this port city, especially for those seeking sand, sun, sea and sex for which Brazil is known and one of the places you are sure to catch fun unhindered is the downtown area of the city, which boast a transport hub, a lasting neoclassical architecture and vibrant arts tradition.
Also, expect an active and colourful musical entertainment scene: Cathedral Metropolitana – a 20th century neoclassical cathedral is one of the most visible landmarks of Port Alegre, and an impressive building with domes, stained glass and exquisite architectural details galore. Museu de Arte do Rio Grande do Sul – another impressive neoclassical architectural masterpiece, and a melting pot for artistes with the Bistrot de marges on the ground floor, providing an inviting setting for lunch. Museu Histórico Júlo de Castilhos – located near praca da Matriz, the museum is home to a typical 19th century artifacts, Casa da Cultura Mario Quintana – a cultural facility boasting a cinema and two bursting cafés.
You can also enjoy live musical performances at the café concerto on the seventh floor and catch a view of the sunset over Lagoa dos Patos; Chale da Praça XV – is located in a pleasant Victorian – style garden house with a sprawling terrace and plays host to a number of colourful events, especially on Sundays. Centro Cultural do Usino Gasômetro – situated on the banks of the Lagoa dos Patos, this former factory host art cinemas, art exhibitions and a café.
Vitraux – Is Porto Alegre’s most active gay and lesbian social scene with hot spots such as the dance club Vitraux; Apolinário – a high brow spot for beers, Casa do Lado; Some of the restuarants to savour different choices of food include Atelier das massas for Italian delicacies – a pasta bar; Boteco Natalicio, an open air bar, offers regional delicacies and beers; Banco 40, Gambrinus and Café Do Mercado offers varieties and interesting items while Churrascaria Roda de Carreta, a meat restaurant is a must visit spot to celebrate with the locals as they enjoy their gaucho customs with food, drink, song and dance on offer. The buffet on display offers 17 different kinds of grilled meats and a number of hot and cold dishes. Tudo Pelo Social offers Brazillian dining.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro otherwise popularly called Rio was the capital of Brazil when it achieved its independence in 1889. Years later, it was developed into the economic and financial hub of the country with businesses and infrastructure of different sorts springing up and is home to several multinational companies and a force to be reckoned with when it comes to industry, service and tourism.
Attractions
One of the foremost attractions to look out for is it vast and rich colonial and historical outlook and relics doting the city. It tantilising beaches, greens, biosterous celebrations, warming and welcoming locals are treasures of the city: Christ the Redeemer – It’s one of the structures that annouce Rio to the world and it’s a pride of the people, sitting majestically atop the Corcovado mountain with an open arm, Cristo Redentor, as it is popularly known, and with its imposing structure of soapstone and cement, offers a panoramic view of the scenic beauty of Rio.
Sugarloaf mountain, rises to 395 metre peak at the Guanabar Bay in Atlantic Ocean with the top base offering a vantage point for photo shoot of the scenic beauty of the city.There is a cable car ride for many of the adventurers. Rio de Janeiro botanical garden is an eco tourism enclave for conservationsts to feed on some of the best collections of Victorian water lilies, Japanese plant and a variety of Brazilian rich botany.
Just sitting preciously on the edge of Tijuca forest, it was created by Dom Joao VI in 1808; while Sambadrome otherwise known as Sambadrome Marques de Sapucai, is the spot for Samba school girls dancers and for the mundial crowd this is one spot to catch a glimpse of the Samba girls and gyrate with them as they spurn scintilating dances; Copacabana beach, is one of the most famed and sought after leisure spots in the city with its avalanche of bars, resturants, cafes and 24 hours live entertainment. Ipanema beach may not be so close to Copacabana but it is also well known and provides its own excitement and colours for people to savour.
Away from the water related leisure offerings of Rio, Centro district, which is like the centre of the city, is one hot spot to catch fun of various make from music to good food, as the city’s hub some of the landmarks relics to behold include the National History Museum, Mosteiro de Sao Bento Church built in the 17th century, Theatro Municipal built in 1905, the Paco Imperial, which is the powerhouse of the former Portuguese rulers of the country and the 18th century Passeio Publico garden.
There is also the Tijuca National Park for the best of nature’s adventure trail while Petropolis (The Imperial City), which is but one hour drive from Rio, is the idea place with its inviting setting – the foothills of Serra dos Orgaos Naional Park, entices with the Summer Palace of the former Brazilian Emperors while the Palacio Cristal glasshouse and the Cathederal also hav e their own appeal.
For delightsome dining at some of the top rated bars Bar do Gomez located in Santa Teresa with a mix of its traditional flavour, it is a great spot to dine; Aconchego Carioca situated lcose to the famous Maracana Stadium offers diners some local delicacies, Bip Bip also beckons, offers good music, drink and atmosphere to frolic while Bar Urca, is regarded as a charming and cosy spot to grab some to bite and drink in a calm and peaceful setting.
Brasilia
Brazil’s bursting capital city was created on April 21, 1960 officially as the new capital of Brazil, taking over from Rio. Its construction started in 1956 and spanning a landmass of 5, 802 square kilometers, along the country’s highlands in the Central – Western part and as at 2010 the population was put at 2. 481million.
With its natural beauty and physical elements, the city is an enchanting and amazing view with a masterpiece architectural layout while it has the distinction as the only capital city in the world that has made the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site (WHS) list making it a real tourist haven to explore.
Credit is given to architect Lucio Costa who designed the city’s layout using the architectural ideas initially espoused by Swiss- French architect Le Corbusier. The shape of the city is often likened to a bird in flight. The wings come packed with various attractive and inviting designs, structures and monuments of tourism value that tourists should delight in.
Attractions
The list of these savoury attractions include the Square of the Three Powers, a location, which harbours Brazil’s power base – the congress, presidential the seat of Brazil’s government, which includes the Congress, Presidential Palace and Supreme Court.
The Television Tower is the highest structure of its nature in the world, and offers a good view of the city entrails while the City park, a large green space provides exciting area to relax, have a picnic, skate, jog and engage in other sporting and leisure activities of your fancy. Some of the interesting locations to wine and dine in the city include Trio Gastronomia Cozinha de Autor; Coco Bambu Lago Sul; Coco Bambu Pizzaria and Cozinha; Mangai; Taypa; Fogo de Chao; La Boulangerie; Outback Steakhouse; Fratello Uno; Manzoku Sushi; Villa Tevere; Corrientes 348; Porcao; Dudu Camargo; Gero; Nippon and Valentina Piz-zaria – the all offer a mixed of world class culinary treats.
Other iconic structures to feast on whilst in the city include Terra Pura Buddhist temple – a Budda temple of awesome appeal; Congresso Nacional; Museu de Valores; Chapada Imperial natural reserve; JK Bridge; Parque Ecologico Capela Dom Bosco; Palacio do Planalto; Praca dos Tres Poderes; Parque Olhos D’agua; Cultural Caixa Brasilia; Brasilia National Park (Agua Mineral) and Jardim Zoologico De Brasilia.
Curitiba
One of this city’s outstanding elements is its economic and industrial revolution, which over the years has witnessed huge success and set the city apart as a haven of wealth. It has since 1953 served as the capital city of the State of Parana undergoing major restructuring in terms of it physical and developmental outlook, covering a landmass of 430.9 square kilometers. With about 1.8 million residents, Curitiba is rated as one of the most populous cities in Southern Brazil while it buoyant economy rates fourth in terms of its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
It cultural element is also one of the richness in the country all thanks to its history and tradition, which witnessed a mixed of immigrants from German, Italy, Polish and Ukraine. This fact among others accounted for the city’s refreshing and rich tourism offerings.
Attractions
Topping the list is the Bosque Alemão (German Wood; the Ukrainian church replica at fabulous Tingui Park; Tangua, the Barigui; Opera de Arame (a theatre all built with glass and iron wires) at the Quarry Park; Espaco Cultural Paulo Leminski, is an open air, 5157 square foot stage; the Red House (1891); the Church of St. Francis; Casa Romário Martins, is one of the oldest structures in Curitiba; Memorial de Curitiba, a cultural centre of note; Curitiba Botanical Garden, holds large treasure of rich plants and it is also known for its greenhouse, made of iron and glass and inspired in London’s Crystal Palace.
For delightsome wining and dining, the place to sample is the neighbourhood of Santa Felicidade, which is said to be the city’s restaurant district with a strong Italian heritage and so, expect rich Italian culinary on showcase while for art lovers see Nani Góes/Museu Oscar Niemeyer and the Contemporary Art Museum in Niterói. For a good view of how impressionistic the city could be then go to the Panoramic Tower; Catedral Basilica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Luz de Curitiba, which is situated at the Praca Tiradentes, is some sight to behold.
The city with its array of over 30 shopping malls offers diverse options for the people, shopping Estacao, which is known as ‘Station’ named after the train station harbouring its and boast over 180 stores, eateries and a bowling alley, a train museum, a pharmacy museum, a puppet museum, an interactive nature exhibit and an interactive fragrance centre.
Palácio Avenida (Avenue Palace) building is one of Curitiba’s must see building and it houses the headquarters of HSBC Bank while the Christmas period is believed one of the best periods to visit the building to enjoy good musical renditions sponsored by the bank.
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