Belem, often called Belem of Para, is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Para, located near the mouth of the Amazon River where it meets the Atlantic. Founded by Portuguese colonists in the early seventeenth century as Our Lady of Bethlehem of Great Para, Belem grew wealthy during the rubber boom and today serves as the main gateway port to the mouth of the Amazon, known for its historic Ver-o-Peso market and its large Círio de Nazare religious festival.
Facts
Area (sq km) Founding Year Population Estimate Year Elevation (m) Sources
1. Belem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationHistory section, foundingQuote, History section, founding
On January 12, 1616, he anchored in what is now known as Guajará Bay, formed by the confluence of the Pará and Guamá Rivers, called by the Tupinambás, 'Guaçu Paraná'.
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