About Belém

When the Amazon river reaches the sea, it divides into two branches.

Belém, capital of the state of Pará, is located on the southern branch. This privileged location makes Belém the main point of entry to the Amazon region as well as an important commercial and economic center.

Belém served as the main port in the region during the 19th-century rubber boom.

The famous "Ver-o-Peso" market, a wrought-iron structure, designed and built in England is a reminder of that era. Each morning, local products and crafts are brought to the market by boat and canoe. The market is characterized by the pleasant hospitality typical of Belém as well as a wide variety of tropical fruits, fish, foods and local handicrafts.

The Catholic churches of Belém are beautiful architectural monuments. The Mercês Church, the oldest in the city (late 17th century), is built in the baroque style; the Cathedral contains impressive paintings. Also worth visiting are Santo Alexandre Church and Our Lady of Nazaré Basílica, site of the annual "Círio de Nazaré" procession, the most important in the Northern region. Among the many historic buildings, the Teatro da Paz is especially noteworthy