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> São Luís

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  Maranhão

São Luís, Colonial City and Doorway to the magic Lençóis maranhenses

São Luís is the Capital of the State of Maranhão [See also: States of Brazil]. Population: 957.899 inhab. (IBGE, 2007)

Declared Humanity Cultural Patrimony (by UNESCO) and National Patrimony (by IPHAN), São Luís, the charming capital of Maranhão, this important State of Nordeste (North-Eastern) Brazil is one of the country's most important tourist destination for its attractions, such as colonial treasuries.

Hospitality and Exotism

São Luís is known for the hospitality and the warm welcome of its inhabitants, for its feasts, folklore, cultural, artistic richnesses, churches, museums and, of course, its delicious cooking.

The Azulejos of São Luís

The São Luís historical center is formed by almost 4.000 old houses, whose exterior walls are covered by azulejos. Recently restored, these façades made all the charm of this colonial city, founded by Frenchmen commanded by La Ravardière in early XVIIth century (1612).

São Luís, doorway to the Lençóis maranhenses

Besides all its tourist attractions, São Luís is considered the best option to discover the marvellous dunes, lagoons and sunsets of Lençóis maranhenses.

São Luís, a Touch of Portuguese Style

In spite of this fact, São Luís is considered the most Portuguese Style State Capital of Brazil. The typical portuguese azulejos that cover the old façades came from Portugal, of course, but also from Macau (China) and other distant places.