Historic Town of Ouro Preto (since 1980) - founded at the end of 17th century, Ouro Preto (Black Gold), was the local 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 remains as a testimony to its past prosperty.
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda (since 1982) - founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, the town's history is linked in the sugar-cane industry. Rebuilt after being looted by the Dutch, its basis urban fabric dates from the 18th century. The harmonious balance between the buildings, gardens, 20 baroque churches, convents and numerous small passos (chapels) all contribute to Olinda's particular charm.
Historic Centre os São Luís (since 1982) - the late 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 in its entirety. Thanks to a period of economic stagnation in the early 20th century, an excepcional number of fine historic buildings have survived, making this an outstanding example of an iberian colonial town.
