World Heritage Sites in Brazil

The Atlantic Forest Southeast Reserves contain some of the best and most extensive examples of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up the site display the biological wealth and evolutionary history of one of the most threatened biomes in the world.

Brasília is the federal capital of Brazil and seat of government of the Federal District. Laid out along an east-west axis crossed by a north-south axis, curved to follow the topography as a transportation thoroughfare, Brasília is a definitive example of 20th century modernist urbanism.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves consist of a Marine National Park and a Biological Reserve off the coast of Brazil. These protected areas are home to many tropical seabirds, and the waters are substantial breeding and feeding grounds.

The Central Amazon Conservation Complex and Biosphere Reserve make up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin and are one of the planet's richest regions in terms of biodiversity. It is where most of the ecosystems recorded in the Amazon Basin are found.

The site of the Cerrado Protected Areas includes the Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, situated on the Brazilian central plateau in the State of Goias. Both parks help protect the Cerrado biome, one of the world's oldest and most diverse ecosystems.

The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves consists of eight protected areas containing remnants of the Atlantic Forest, one of the richest tropical forest regions in the world. These reserves illustrate the evolution of the few remaining areas of Atlantic Forest in Brazil.

The 17th-century core of this historic town, founded by the French and occupied by the Dutch before coming under Portuguese rule, has preserved the original rectangular street plan. A number of fine historic buildings have survived, making this an outstanding example of an Iberian colonial town.

The town of Diamantina rises up the side of a steep valley with streets that follow the natural topography. Its Historic Center recalls the exploits of diamond prospectors in the 18th century and is a well-preserved example of Brazilian Baroque architecture.

Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Olinda’s history is linked to the sugarcane industry. Rebuilt by the Portuguese after being looted and burned by the Dutch, the harmonious balance between the buildings, gardens, churches, convents and chapels all contribute to the town's charm.

Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century. With the exhaustion of the gold mines in the 19th century, the city’s influence declined but many churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity.