Joao Pessoa, the Capital of Paraiba Brazil

The Ancient City of Joao Pessoa, Capital of the State of Paraiba

Besides beautiful beaches and white sand bathed by a turquoise blue sea, Joao Pessoa (the capital of the Paraiba State) is a city with extremely unique characteristics. As reports suggest, the 3^rd oldest city in Brazil, Joao Pessoa, was founded in 1585 and has a rich architectonic patrimony, including the beautiful baroque structures, like the church Sao Francisco and the convent Santo Antonio, dating back to the XVIII century.

Joao Pessoa has a mass of fully preserved natural forests, squares and gardens, which is why it is considered one of the cities with the highest index of green area per inhabitant in the world (2^nd in the world according to a United Nations survey conducted in 1992). Another beauty of the city is the Ponta do Seixas, the most easterly point of South America, which can be seen from the majestic Farol do Cabo Branco (Cabo Branco Lighthouse).

 

There are many excellent places for boat strolls near Joao Pessoa, like the natural pools of Picaozinho on the island Areia Vermelha. A tradition not to missed here is watching the unforgettable sunset on the beach Jacare, to the sound of Ravel’s “Bolero.” There are also buggy strolls available to all the beaches within easy reach of Joao Pessoa, such as Jacuma, Coquerinhos, Tambaba, Tabatinga, Poco, and many more. However, Tambau, Cabo Branco, Manaira, and Bessa are amongst the beaches on offer by the city itself.  Tambau beach also boasts the most exciting nightlife within the city, having bars. restaurants, clubs, and traditional dancing available to suit everybody’s taste.

The traditional northeast cooking is abundant in Joao Pessoa. Many restaurants serve salted meat, one of the most famous specialties in Paraiba State.

The regional craftwork made with clay and oakum can be purchased on the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano (Paraibano Craft Market).

                                                                            Natural Pool Formations in Paraiba

Picaozinho is a formation of corals, just off Tambau beach, which forms natural pools in low tide, making it possible to view a sea of beautifully coloured fish. Another natural formation, that also generates fabulous pools in low tide, is on the island Areia Vermelha, which produces a sandbank about two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, making it a perfect place for swimming. The access by boat takes approximately 15 minutes to reach these destinations.

Historical Interests in Joao Pessoa

A must see is the beautiful baroque style architecture of the convent Santo Antonio and the church Sao Francisco, buildings that date back to the XVIII century. The church altar is adorned with gold and magnificent Portuguese tiles. It’s also worthwhile to visit the churches N.S. da Guia and N.S. do Carmo, and the Palacio da Redencao (Redemption’s Palace). All three of these buildings date back to the XVI century. Be sure to make time to visit the Santa Rosa theatre, still in use, and one of the oldest theatres in the country, dating back to 1889. And don’t miss the fort Santa Catarina, with cannons that are more than 400 years old, in the town Cabedelo, 25 km from Joao Pessoa.

Besides the restaurants that serve the regional dishes, there are many other culinary options. The city has a good transportation and communication structure, car rental and tourism agencies, and many bank branches.  

State Statistical Information 

Paraiba state covers an area of 56,585km2, and consists of 223 towns, having a total population of 3,375,609 inhabitants. The capital Joao Pessoa, has a population of 584,029 inhabitants. The climate is tropical and semi-arid, and Joao Pessoa receives a mean annual temperature of 26 degrees centigrade.

Location of Joao Pessoa

Joao Pessoa is in the northeast region of Brazil, 2340 km from Brasilia, 1,900 km from Rio de Janeiro, 2440 km far Sao Paulo, 762km from Salvador, and 111 km from Recife, and 153km from Natal. Its airport receives flights from all capitals and the main cities in the country. Recife receives direct international flights from outside of Brazil, and Joao Pessoa itself is planned to open it’s own International airport in July of 2005.