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Santos
– In harmony with the past, present and future
By Paula Mazulquim
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The most beautiful
beaches, outlined by the greatest costal garden of the
planet (its 7 kilometre span is registered in the Guinness
Book of World of Records), the most important port in
Latin America, the natural beauty of the Atlantic forest,
the architectural and artistic diversity of the historic
downtown and the Santos soccer team of Pelé are
only the departure points to discovering the marvels
of one of the oldest cities in Brazil.
In 1532, the founder of Santos arrived from Portugal
- Brás Cubas. He could not imagine, at that time,
that the same city where he had just arrived and which,
in the 19th century received many immigrants (Portuguese,
Spanish, Italian, Syrian-Lebanese and Asian), would
one day become the number one port in the world for
coffee export. Later, it would also become an important
profit generator in particular through soya, sugar and
orange juice exports.
Surrounded by the Serra do Mar (a term for Brazil’s
costal mountain ranges), Santos is located on the cost
of São Paulo state, 68 kilometres away from the
capital. This city, with a population of 418,375 inhabitants
and an average annual temperature of 20 degrees Celsius,
has a natural appeal for tourism and inspired exceptional
and notorious deeds. From Santos: the first Miss Brazil
(the first beauty contest hosted in Santos in 1930 later
became the Miss Brazil pageant); the first Brazilian
shopping mall, the Super Commercial Center of Boqueirão
with 205 shops, which was launched in 1963; in addition
to the discovery of Pelé (of course) –
the King of Soccer.
What else? Are you looking for natural beauty, eco
tourism and beaches? Historical tours, architecture
and cultural events? To intimately discover the history
of one of the world’s greatest sport prodigies?
Yes, Santos offers it all. Prepare yourself to discover
the many facets of a city that has not stopped surprising
for more than four hundred years.
Mount Serrat – The best view of the town
www.monteserrat.com.br
On board a funicular (a cable car on rails) from the
20’s, the visitors reach 147 meters above sea
level. On the top, there is a church and a large casino.
The soccer collection of Vila Belmiro:
http://santos.globo.com/clube_historia_memorial.php?sec=124
Strolling through this neighbourhood is a must for those
who love soccer. There you can find the most famous
soccer collection in the world. There are bilingual
guides. You should not miss Pelé’s section
(with pieces from the King of Soccer’s personal
collection).
Sea Museum:
www.museudomar.com.br
In colonial style, the building hosts an exhibition
explaining the evolution of sea life.
Official coffee stock market:
www.museudocafe.com.br
This remarkable building was constructed in the early
20th century acting as a museum and also documenting
the history of coffee in Brazil.
The olden days:
With the expansion of the streetcar network system for
the historical downtown tour of Santos from 1.7 to 5
kilometres – its opening is scheduled for October
of this year –tourists will be able to enjoy even
more the city’s historical heritage.
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