In no other Brazilian City did the Portuguese make so much to use to their tile-producing art. Besides decorative, the tiles protected mansions walls from the salty sea winds and heavy rain. Tiles f all kinds, featuring rich color and drawing patterns, gave Sao Luis the title of “The Tile city”.
The Praia Grande neighborhood - the old provincial commercial area - is an astonishing sample of the opulence of past centuries. On Portugal street, you’ll be delighted with the old, tile walled mansions and the narrow streets, alleys and hills paved with cantaria stones, which the Portuguese used as ballast in their vessels.
Sao Luis presently preserves its colonial architecture and history in harmony with a modern, 20th century urban landscape. Its beautiful beaches, happy nightlife and delicious cuisine based in seafood, as well as the unique local culture, are definitely a must-see.