List of World Heritage Sites in Brazil

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.[1] The Federative Republic of Brazil accepted the convention on 1 September 1977, making its historical sites eligible for inclusion on the list. As of 2023, there are 23 World Heritage Sites in Brazil, including fifteen cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed site.[2]

The first site in Brazil, the Historic Town of Ouro Preto, was inscribed on the list at the 4th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, France in 1980.[3] In 1983, Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis was accepted to the list in a joint bid with Argentina, making it Brazil's first trans-border property.[4] Iguaçu National Park was enlisted in 1986 as the first site selected for its natural significance.[5] Brazil's latest contribution to the World Heritage List, the Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, was inscribed in 2021.[6]

In addition to its inscribed sites, Brazil also maintains twenty-three properties on its tentative list.[7]

World Heritage Sites[edit]

The table is sortable by column by clicking on the at the top of the appropriate column; alphanumerically for the site, area, and year columns; by state party for the location column; and by criteria type for the criteria column. Transborder sites sort at the bottom.
Site; named after the World Heritage Committee's official designation[8]
Location; at city, regional, or provincial level and geocoordinates
Criteria; as defined by the World Heritage Committee[9]
Area; in hectares and acres. If available, the size of the buffer zone has been noted as well. A lack of value implies that no data has been published by UNESCO
Year; during which the site was inscribed to the World Heritage List
Description; brief information about the site, including reasons for qualifying as an endangered site, if applicable
  * Trans-border site
Site Image Location Criteria Area
ha (acre)
Year Description
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves Forested mountains topped by rocks. BrazilParaná and São Paulo
24°10′00″S 48°00′00″W / 24.16667°S 48.00000°W / -24.16667; -48.00000 (Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves)
Natural:BraAtl
(vii)(ix)(x)
468,193 (1,156,930) 1999 The site comprises some of the last remaining Atlantic Forests and shows a very high diversity with many rare and endemic species. As such it is of high interest both for scientists and for conservation.[10]
Brasília Human sculptures and a hyperbolic shaped modern building with white ribs and glass. BrazilFederal District
15°47′00″S 47°54′00″W / 15.78333°S 47.90000°W / -15.78333; -47.90000 (Brasília)
Cultural:BraBra
(i)(iv)
1987 Planned and developed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer in 1956, Brasília was created ex nihilo in order to move the capital from Rio de Janeiro to a more central position. Together with Chandigarh in India it is the only place where Corbusier's design principles of urbanism have been applied on large scale.[11]
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves Rocky coast interspersed by sand beaches. BrazilPernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte
3°51′29″S 32°25′30″W / 3.85806°S 32.42500°W / -3.85806; -32.42500 (Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves)
Natural:BraBraAtl
(vii)(ix)(x)
42,270 (104,500) 2001 As one of the few insular habitats in the South Atlantic, the site is essential as feeding ground and reproduction space for marine organisms including endangered and threatened species, most notably the hawksbill sea turtle.[12]
Central Amazon Conservation Complex Satellite image of a wide river and smaller meandering tributaries running through a light green landscape. BrazilAmazonas
2°20′00″S 62°00′30″W / 2.33333°S 62.00833°W / -2.33333; -62.00833 (Central Amazon Conservation Complex)
Natural:BraCen
(ix)(x)
5,323,018 (13,153,460) 2000[nb 1] As the largest protected area in the Amazon basin, the site is notable for its high biodiversity, range of habitats such as várzea and igapó forests and number of endangered species. It has been recognized by various conservation agencies as a high priority region.[nb 2][13]
[14]
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks Rocky mountain landscape and valley. BrazilGoiás
14°00′20″S 47°41′05″W / 14.00556°S 47.68472°W / -14.00556; -47.68472 (Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks)
Natural:BraCer
(ix)(x)
367,356 (907,760) 2001 The two parks are characteristic of the cerrado, one of the world's oldest tropical ecosystems and an important refuge for species in times of climate change.[15]
Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves View of vast forested landscape. BrazilBahia and Espírito Santo
16°30′00″S 39°15′00″W / 16.50000°S 39.25000°W / -16.50000; -39.25000 (Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves)
Natural:BraDis
(ix)(x)
111,930 (276,600) 1999 The site comprises some of the last remaining Atlantic Forests and shows a very high diversity with many rare and endemic species. As such it is of high interest both for scientists and for conservation.[16]
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia Large three-storied buildings with facades painted in bright colors: light blue and yellow. BrazilBahia
12°58′00″S 38°30′00″W / 12.96667°S 38.50000°W / -12.96667; -38.50000 (Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia)
Cultural:BraHisSal
(iv)(vi)
1985 The colonial old town of the first Brazilian capital and town of the first slave market in the New World, has preserved many brightly colored Renaissance houses decorated with stucco work from the 16th to 18th centuries.[17]
Historic Centre of São Luís A cobblestone street of old single-storied brightly colored houses. BrazilMaranhão
2°30′51″S 44°18′09″W / 2.51417°S 44.30250°W / -2.51417; -44.30250 (Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia)
Cultural:BraHisSao
(iii)(iv)(v)
67 (170) 1997 São Luís has preserved the complete rectangular town plan and numerous historical buildings making it a prime example of a Portuguese colonial town.[18]
Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina Old church, cobble stone streets and two-storied houses with white facades. BrazilMinas Gerais
18°40′00″S 43°36′00″W / 18.66667°S 43.60000°W / -18.66667; -43.60000 (Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina)
Cultural:BraHisDia
(ii)(iv)
29 (72) 1999 A well-preserved example of Baroque architecture, this 18th-century colonial town was founded in an inhospitable environment of rocky mountains and became a center of diamond mining in the 18th and 19th centuries.[19]
Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás Facade of a two-storied stone church, largely painted white/beige with red/brownish window frames. BrazilGoiás
15°56′00″S 50°08′00″W / 15.93333°S 50.13333°W / -15.93333; -50.13333 (Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás)
Cultural:BraHisGoi
(ii)(iv)
40 (99) 2001 Founded in 1727 by the bandeirante explorer Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva, Goiás has preserved much of its colonial heritage and is an example of a European settlement in the interior of South America.[20]
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda White stone church with red tile roof near the sea. BrazilPernambuco
8°00′48″S 34°50′42″W / 8.01333°S 34.84500°W / -8.01333; -34.84500 (Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda)
Cultural:BraHisOli
(ii)(iv)
120 (300) 1982 Founded in 1537 the town prospered as a centre of sugar-cane production. Following looting by the Dutch in the 17th century, the historic centre dates largely to the 18th century with a harmonious combination of buildings, gardens, churches, convents and chapels.[21]
Historic Town of Ouro Preto Two-storied white buildings with red roof tiles lining a square. At the end of the square there is a prominent building with a clock tower. BrazilMinas Gerais
20°23′20″S 43°30′20″W / 20.38889°S 43.50556°W / -20.38889; -43.50556 (Historic Town of Ouro Preto)
Cultural:BraHisOur
(i)(iii)
1980 The prosperity of the town as the center of the Brazilian gold rush in the 18th century is reflected in numerous preserved churches, bridges and fountains many of them designed by the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.[22]
Iguaçu National Park A large horseshoe shaped waterfall. BrazilParaná
25°41′00″S 54°26′00″W / 25.68333°S 54.43333°W / -25.68333; -54.43333 (Iguaçu National Park)
Natural:BraIgu
(vii)(x)
170,086 (420,290) 1986 Together with Iguazú National Park on the Argentinian side, the park protects Iguazu Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, and is home to many rare and endangered species such as giant anteater or the giant otter. The site had been listed as endangered 1999–2001 due to an illegally opened road through the park, dams on the Iguazu River and helicopter flights.[23]
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Miní, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa María Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of São Miguel das Missões (Brazil) Ruins of a stone church facade and tower. BrazilRio Grande do Sul
also Misiones Province, Argentina
28°32′36″S 54°15′57″W / 28.54333°S 54.26583°W / -28.54333; -54.26583 (Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil))
Cultural:BraJes
(iv)
1983[nb 3] Each of the five ruined Spanish Jesuit missions founded amidst a tropical forest in the land of the Guaraní people in the 17th and 18th centuries is characterized by a specific design.[24]
[25]
Pampulha Modern Ensemble White modernist building in front of a lake. BrazilMinas Gerais
19°51′07″S 43°58′25″W / 19.85194°S 43.97361°W / -19.85194; -43.97361 (Pampulha Modern Ensemble)
Cultural:BraPam
(i)(ii)(iv)
154 (380) 2016 The listed site consists of an urban project created in 1940 at Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. It was designed around an artificial lake, Lake Pampulha, and includes a casino, a ballroom, the Golf Yacht Club and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. The buildings were designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, in collaboration with the landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and Brazilian Modernist artists.[26]
Pantanal Conservation Area Plain with forests, grassland, rivers and many lakes. BrazilMato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul
17°43′00″S 57°23′00″W / 17.71667°S 57.38333°W / -17.71667; -57.38333 (Pantanal Conservation Area)
Natural:BraPan
(vii)(ix)(x)
187,818 (464,110) 2000 The site contains four protected areas, encompassing one of the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystems, and is home to an abundant number and diverse range of species.[27]
Paraty and Ilha Grande - Culture and Biodiversity Plain with old buildings, forests, moutains and palm trees. BrazilRio de Janeiro
23°13′21″S 44°42′50″W / 23.22250°S 44.71389°W / -23.22250; -44.71389 (Paraty and Ilha Grande - Culture and Biodiversity)
Mixed:BraPan
(v)(x)
204,634 (505,660) 2019 Located between the Serra da Bocaina mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, this cultural landscape includes the historic centre of Paraty, one of Brazil's best-preserved coastal towns, as well as four protected natural areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s five key biodiversity hotspots. Paraty is home to an impressive diversity of species, some of which are threatened, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and several primate species, including the woolly spider monkey (Brachyteles arachnoides), which are emblematic of the site. In the late 17th century, Paraty was the end-point of the Caminho do Ouro (Gold Route), along which gold was shipped to Europe. Its port also served as an entry point for tools and African slaves, sent to work in the mines. A defence system was built to protect the wealth of the port and the town. The historic centre of Paraty has retained its 18th century plan and much of its colonial architecture dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries.[28]
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes Between the Mountain and the Sea Human sculptures and a hyperbolic shaped modern building with white ribs and glass. BrazilRio de Janeiro
22°56′52″S 43°17′29″W / 22.94778°S 43.29139°W / -22.94778; -43.29139 (Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea)
Cultural:BraRio
(v)(vi)
7,249 (17,910) 2012 The listed site consists of an exceptional urban setting rather than built heritage. It encompasses the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park's mountains down to the sea. They also include the Botanical Gardens, established in 1808, Corcovado Mountain with its celebrated statue of Christ and the hills around Guanabara Bay, including the extensive designed landscapes along Copacabana Bay which have contributed to the outdoor living culture of this spectacular city. Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and urbanists.[29]
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Stairs leading to a white stone church with two towers. Sculptures are placed on walls in front of the church. BrazilMinas Gerais
20°29′59″S 43°51′28″W / 20.49972°S 43.85778°W / -20.49972; -43.85778 (Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas)
Cultural:BraSan
(i)(iv)
1985 Built in the 18th century, the site features a church, an outdoor stairway and seven chapels, decorated with statues by Aleijadinho.[30]
São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão White church on a square. BrazilSergipe
11°00′58″S 37°12′36″W / 11.01611°S 37.21000°W / -11.01611; -37.21000 (São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão)
Cultural:BraSao
(ii)(iv)
3 (7.4) 2010 The square is surrounded by two churches, a palace and other buildings of different historical periods, exemplifying Franciscan architecture in north-eastern Brazil.[31]
Serra da Capivara National Park Rock painting in red of a four legged animal, a smaller four legged animal and a human figure. BrazilPiauí
8°25′00″S 42°20′00″W / 8.41667°S 42.33333°W / -8.41667; -42.33333 (Serra da Capivara National Park)
Cultural:BraSer
(iii)
1991 The site is among the oldest human communities in South America, featuring a great number of cave paintings, some dating as early as 25,000 years ago.[32]
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site BrazilRio de Janeiro
22°53′49.6″S 43°11′14.62″W / 22.897111°S 43.1873944°W / -22.897111; -43.1873944
CulturalBraRio
(vi)
0.3895 (0.962) 2017 It is in the former harbour area of Rio de Janeiro in which the old stone wharf was built for the landing of enslaved Africans reaching the South American continent from 1811 onwards. An estimated 900,000 Africans arrived in South America via Valongo.[33]
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx BrazilRio de Janeiro
23°01′26.4″S 43°32′49.6″W / 23.024000°S 43.547111°W / -23.024000; -43.547111
CulturalBraRio
(ii), (iv)
40.53 (100.2) 2021 Estate in Barra de Guaratiba which belonged to the landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. He created a garden there with about 3500 species of plants.[6]

Tentative list[edit]

In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage list, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage list are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list.[34] As of 2023, Brazil lists twenty-one properties on its tentative list:[7]

  1. Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses – Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (07/06/2017)
  2. Amazonia Theaters (30/01/2015)
  3. Brazilian Fortresses Ensemble (30/01/2015)
  4. Cedro Dam in the Quixadá Monoliths (30/01/2015)
  5. Geoglyphs of Acre (30/01/2015)
  6. Itacoatiaras of Ingá River (30/01/2015)
  7. Cultural Landscape of Paranapiacaba: Village and railway systems in the Serra do Mar Mountain Range, São Paulo (27/02/2014)
  8. Ver-o-Peso (27/02/2014)
  9. Anavilhanas Ecological Station (16/09/1998)
  10. Serra do Divisor National Park (16/09/1998)
  11. Serra da Canastra National Park (16/09/1998)
  12. Cavernas do Peruaçu Federal Environmental Protection Area (APA) / Veredas Do Peruaçu State Park (16/09/1998)
  13. Serra da Capivara National Park and Permanent Preservation Areas (16/09/1998)
  14. Canyon du Rio Peruaçu, Minas Gerais (11/03/1998)
  15. Eglise et Monastère de Sao Bento, Rio de Janeiro (06/09/1996)
  16. Palais de la Culture, ancien siège du Ministère de l'Education et de la Santé, Rio de Janeiro (06/09/1996)
  17. Parc national du Pico da Neblina (Amazonas) (06/09/1996)
  18. Parc national de la Serra da Bocaina (São Paulo - Rio de Janeiro) (06/09/1996)
  19. Réserve biologique d'Atol das Rocas (Rio Grande do Norte) (06/09/1996)
  20. Station écologique de Taim (Rio Grande do Sul) (06/09/1996)
  21. Station écologique du Raso da Catarina (Bahia) (06/09/1996)

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Extended in 2003 to include the Amana Sustainable Development Reserve, the Demonstration area of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve and the Anavilhanas Ecological Station; and name change from Jaú National Park, Brazil to the present name.
  2. ^ It is a Centre of Plant Diversity, an Endemic Bird Area of the World and a Global 200 ecoregion.
  3. ^ Extended in 1984 to include the four Argentinian missions making it a trans-border site; and name change from The Ruins of São Miguel das Missões to the present name.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The World Heritage Convention". UNESCO. Retrieved 21 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Brazil". UNESCO. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Report of the Rapporteur". UNESCO. 29 September 1980. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  4. ^ "Report of the 7th Session of the Committee". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  5. ^ "Report of the 10th Session of the Committee". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  6. ^ a b Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Sítio Roberto Burle Marx". whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
  7. ^ a b "Tentative List – Brazil". UNESCO. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  8. ^ "World Heritage List". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  9. ^ "The Criteria for Selection". UNESCO. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  10. ^ "Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  11. ^ "Brasília". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  12. ^ "Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  13. ^ "Central Amazon Conservation Complex". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  14. ^ "Decision - 27COM 8C.10 - Central Amazon Conservation Complex (Brazil)". UNESCO. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  15. ^ "Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  16. ^ "Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  17. ^ "Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  18. ^ "Historic Centre of São Luís". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  19. ^ "Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina". UNESCO. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  20. ^ "Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás". UNESCO. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  21. ^ "Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda". UNESCO. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  22. ^ "Historic Town of Ouro Preto". UNESCO. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  23. ^ "Iguaçu National Park". UNESCO. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  24. ^ "Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)". UNESCO. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
  25. ^ "Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis". UNESCO. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
  26. ^ "Pampulha Modern Ensemble". UNESCO. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  27. ^ "Pantanal Conservation Area". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  28. ^ "Paraty and Ilha Grande - Culture and Biodiversity". UNESCO. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  29. ^ "Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea". UNESCO. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
  30. ^ "Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  31. ^ "São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  32. ^ "Serra da Capivara National Park". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  33. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site". whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 2017-07-09.
  34. ^ "Tentative Lists". UNESCO. Retrieved 7 October 2010.