Belem

Belem is the capital city of the state of Para in Brazil, South America. It is also the entrance point to the Amazon River.

Places of interest include the Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Nazare, Mangal das Garcas, where visitors can spot local fauna and flora, Casa das Onze Janelas (House of Eleven Windows), the old fortress (Forte do Castelo) and the Catedral da Se, which is the oldest church in Belem.

For an insight into traditional local culture, visit the Mercado Ver-o-Peso (old fish market).

Art lovers may want to head to the Museu de Artes de Belem or Santo Alexandre Church (Museu de Arte Sacra).

The main square is called the Praça da República (The Square of the republic) and features many statues and the Teatro da Paz (theatre). There are also lots of bars, restaurants and shops surrounding the square.

The Estacao das Docas (old dock) has been revitalized and is now a tourist and cultural area. It is home to several restaurants and local artwork and souvenir shops.

There are no beaches in Belem, the nearest ones are in Outeiro, (Love Beach) or on Ilha do Mosqueiro island.

Local dishes include 'tacacá' (shrimp soup), 'caldeirada paraense' (fish, shrimp, eggs, onion, potatoes, tomatoes, red pepper, tucupi and jambu, served with rice) and 'vatapá' (bread, shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground peanuts and palm oil mashed into a creamy paste). This is often eaten with rice. Portuguese and Italian dishes as well as tasty local ice cream are also popular options.

Cruise ships either dock in the centre of town or anchor and tender passengers ashore.

There is a market on the dock, one of the largest in Brazil.