Sightseeing in Natal - what to see. Complete travel guide

The charming Brazilian city of Natal is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte . The unofficial name of "The City of the Sun" fully reflects one of its main features - an amazing sunny climate. Indeed, the sun shines here almost all year round. A wide choice of picturesque beaches makes Natal a popular holiday destination among fans of water activities.

The city was founded by Portuguese immigrants on December 25, 1599. The day of its foundation miraculously coincided with one of the most significant religious holidays in Portugal - Christmas. It was decided to name the new city in honor of the holiday: in translation from Portuguese Natal means "Christmas". The permanent population of the modern city is more than 800 000 people, a significant part of the locals is engaged in tourism.

The tourist sector remains one of the main economic spheres of the city, therefore its visitors are provided with all the favorable conditions. Natal is one of the few cities in the country that has managed to retain its authentic national charm. Since its foundation, the city had developed quite slowly, its active urbanization was triggered less than a hundred years ago. During the Second World War, a large air base was established in the city. Only after the end of hostilities, there have been some changes in the life of Natal. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the postwar period, the city became a major exporter of tropical fruits and seafood, local people were engaged in the cultivation of cotton, and the oil refining industry gradually developed. The picturesque nature and unique culture of the indigenous population began to attract to these places tourists from neighboring countries, the number of which has grown rapidly every year. Over a few decades, hundreds of hotels and hostels, large shopping malls, and restaurants appeared in Natal. Today the resort is perfectly suitable for people of different ages and preferences.

They will find beautiful beaches for every taste, interesting cultural sites, and historic landmarks, beautiful places for walking and secluded recreation. It is also worth noting that Natal has long attracted scientists from all over the world. Traces of prehistoric settlements were discovered in the vicinity of the city. Some of the archaeological sites are currently open to the public. Tourists addicted to the history of the ancient world will have a chance to see the rock drawings dating back thousands of years, explore the caves where ancient people once lived and see many priceless archaeological finds.

Natal is an excellent destination for travelers who are fond of interesting excursions. The Fort of Three Kings is, without a doubt, the main historical symbol of the resort. This gorgeous protective facility was built at the beginning of the 17th century. The fort has a very unusual protective wall that is made in the shape of a star. The construction is incredibly strong and durable, and there is a reason for that. Whale fat is one of the main secret ingredients that have helped the fort to survive through centuries. Nowadays, the old fort hosts the exhibition of an interesting thematic museum dedicated to voyages and discoveries of famous explorer Vasco da Gama.

The historical district of Ribeira is an exciting place that is better to explore on foot. It is incredibly rich in old and interesting historical buildings. In total, there are more than 150 historical buildings in this part of the city. Some of these buildings are quite modest, and some are stunning and luxurious, such as colonial period villas in Victorian style. The governor’s palace, which dates back to 1873, is also located in Ribeira, as well as the beautiful town hall building. In the historical part of Natal, vacationers will also find the main theater of the city, which is considered to be one of the best in whole Brazil.

Casudo Museum is the best place to get acquainted with the history of the city. The museum exhibits numerous items that belong to different periods in the history of the city. For example, there is a very interesting collection of artifacts dedicated to cultural traditions of Amazonian Indians. Besides that, the museum exhibits a rich collection of geological items. A large part of the exhibition is dedicated to current ecological problems of the region.

Church of Holy Mother Rozaria is by far the most eye-catching religious landmark of Natal. It is an interesting landmark not only from the religious but also from the cultural point of view. The church was built in the 16th century by the order of local colonizers. However, the beautiful building couldn’t keep its original look due to numerous earthquakes. During its long history, the church was thoroughly rebuilt four times. Nowadays, old religious artifacts inside the church are considered its main treasures. Visitors will be able to admire beautiful old frescos and see a collection of old icons.