The Best Brazilian Art Museums for the Refined Culture Hound

These works from the Museu de Arte Sacra rank among the best Brazilian art museums

Brazilian art is rarely pre-Columbian in nature and mostly a reflection of Western art. Portugal colonized Brazil in the mid-16th century, a time when most of the country was still primitive and had no specific art form.

By the late 16th century, local artistry was born thanks to Western influences and it continues to evolve until this day. The best Brazilian art museums are great places to witness local art and how it has evolved.

Museu de Arte Sacra, Mariana

The museum has some of the best collections of sacred Brazilian art. It can be found in Mariana, a small town located right outside of Ouro Preto. Museu de Arte Sacra also has an impressive collection of gold and silver artwork which complement the colonial mansion where they’re displayed.

Museu de Oratoria

It is located behind the main square of Ouro Preto. Just as its name suggests, the museum boasts a collection of oratories or small altars kept by home owners so they can pray without having to visit a church.

Oratories of different colors and designs are displayed on the museum. Among them are those of Afro-Brazilian origin which, due to the influence of Candomblé religion, are decorated with shells and flowers.

Ouro Preto is one of Brazil’s best preserved colonial towns. Although you can’t fly directly there, Belo Horizonte is about 100 km away and plenty of airlines like the biggest in the country, TAM, fly there.

Monument to Latin America

The landmark is not your typical Brazilian art but represents it nonetheless. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a famous Brazilian architect. The monument is a good example of modernist Brazilian art. You can find it in São Paulo.

Pinacoteca de Estado

Situated in São Paulo, the city has a massive collection of Brazilian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among them are the creations of Alfredo Ceschiatti who is known for his Brasilia sculptures.

Museu de Arte Sacra, Salvador

Not to be confused with Museu de Arte Sacra of Mariana, the museum has one of the country’s best collections of Catholic art. Included in these collections are oratorios, oil paintings, and silver work. The Catholic Brazilian art works are displayed at the monastery connected to Igreja de Santa Teresa, a building with architecture worth admiring.

Top Tourist Attractions In Newtownabbey

Castle ruins and an old cemetery rank as one of the top tourist attractions in Newtownabbey

If you want to visit Northern Ireland and its towns then here are the top tourist attractions in Newtownabbey for you to delve into in a big town in the County Antrim. It is a great place to start if you want to go to other destinations in Northern Ireland. If you are a sporty type of person then you came at the right place to have your vacation because Newtownabbey’s natural landscape is great for all sorts of outdoor activities.   

One of the most sought after destinations for tourists is the Belfast Zoological Gardens which is home to a lot of species. The place is located in a secluded area at the northeast side of Cavehill which makes it a very serene place for animals and the visitors alike. The zoo also caters exotic and rare animals and tropical plants which will surely amaze you that’s why you shouldn’t miss this great opportunity to see the ring-tailed lemurs, Malayan tapirs, Sumatran Tigers and other animals that will bring you delight.

Don’t forget the Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Center because you get to see a peek on the life of the Mckinney family, who came from Scotland but later on, moved to Ireland. William Fee McKinney was the one who putted up an amazing collection of family letters, diaries, pamphlets, books as well as other items with historical interest. Visitors are very much welcome inside his house. Though the rest of the family is gone, the doors to the Sentry Hill will always be open for you.

Another one of the top tourist attractions in Newtownabbey is the Theater at the Mill. Its facilities are quite outstanding which will definitely give you only the best entertainment. Programs vary from musicals, dances, drama, comedy, concerts and a lot more that will give you a lot of fun and surprises. Not only that, the theatre also has restaurant facilities and a accredited bar that will spice up your evening that’s why a trip to the Theater at the Mill is a must because you will certainly regret if you missed this one.

Now that you know a little bit of the top tourist attractions in Newtownabbey there’s nothing left to do but to plan your trip and enjoy a vacation in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Aside from the stunning landscapes, great outdoor activities will definitely liven you up and give your energy a boost that’s why plan it ahead because you don’t want to miss an exciting place such as Newtownabbey. 

Top Tourist Attractions In Tonga

The enviable beaches easily rank among the top tourist attractions in Tonga

Tonga has had its share of riots but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the top tourist attractions in Tonga. Its people are friendly and not once have they directed violence against tourists. In fact, the people are so nice that Tonga is called the “Friendly Islands” of the South Pacific. Below are the best sights and experiences this island country has to offer.

1. Tongan Feast refers to a traditional Tongan practice where a group of people – family, friends, or acquaintances – gather to eat their favorite dishes. A maximum of 30 various dishes may be served on pola or banana leaves. It is often accompanied by traditional music and dance on the background as well as kava, an ancient ceremonial ritual. Many local restaurants serve Tongan feasts but prior notice is required.

2. Whale watching is one of the top tourist attractions in Tonga. It’s something you can experience from June until November of each year. During these months, humpback whales travel to Vava’u so they could breed.

3. Nuku’alofa is the capital of Tonga. There are many things to look forward to in this city. First off is the Tonga Royal Palace where King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV lives. You can also visit the city’s Talamahu markets where a variety of fresh produce are sold. Or, you can drop by the Langafonua Women’s Handicraft Centre to get handmade items as souvenirs. The Royal Tombs is also one of the top tourist attractions in Tonga and it’s not too far from the city proper. It is a place where former kings and queens of the country were buried.

4. Sailing is a popular activity in Tonga, particularly around the Vava’u group of islands. Vava’u has a reliable network of waterways, peaceful islands, and a large natural harbour. The perfect time to go sailing in Vava’u is between June and November when humpback whales visit its waters.

5. Lavengatonga is best known for its limestone caves which are among the best tourist spots in Tonga. The caves feature long stretches of stalagmites and stalactites which continue for some distance. At the end of the caves you will find deep, freshwater pools. Lavengatonga is located 24 km from the capital.