Excursion Manaus' golden era tour at Manaus

With the invention of the automobile in the late 19th century, the rubber boom began. As demand for rubber soared, small river towns like Manaus were transformed overnight into bustling centres of commerce. The city became the opulent heart of the rubber trade and extravagant mansions were erected.

The city's old-world mansions and monuments still exist but are now set among modern skyscrapers. The finest example of architecture from this period is the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House), which will be visited during this programme.

Rio Negro Palace

Departing the pier, your first stop will be an outside visit of the Rio Negro Palace. Built to be the residence of a rich rubber dealer, German Waldemar Scholtz, Black River Palace was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century and was well known at that time as Scholtz Small Palace. (Palacio Rio Negro is now holding location for the Secretary of Tourism of the state of Amazonia, therefore visitation is limited outside). Following a photo opportunity, your drive proceeds to Praça Heliodoro Balbi for an external view of the Palacete Provincial.

Palacete Provincial

Upon completion of the building works, to March 25, 1874, the then Provincial styled mansion has housed simultaneously several public offices: the Provincial Assembly, the Bureau of Public Works, the Public Library and Lyceum Provincial. The official inauguration only occurred on February 28, 1875, almost a year after the completion of the work. With the restoration, made in 2009, the Provincial Palace, known for over a hundred years as a Military Police Headquarters, resumed its original name, bringing in a space completely restored, Amazon and the history of great works of cultural value.

Manaus Opera House

From here, your drive heads to the Teatro Amazonas to visit the most impressive and decadent symbol of Manaus's Golden Era, the Opera House. Built at the height of the rubber boom at the turn of the 19th century, the Opera House took fifteen years to construct and epitomizes the splendor and elegance of a time when the city was one of the richest in the world.

Leaving the Opera House, you have free time at the square and the opportunity to take photos of the former houses of the prosperous rubber barons.

Mercado Municipal

Next, your drive proceeds to the Mercado Municipal. A brief visit will be made at the municipal market, which is housed inside a historic building from the early 1900s. The structure was modeled on the famous Les Halles in Paris. The wrought ironwork, said to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel, was imported from Europe. Stalls sell fruits and vegetables, fish, jungle herbs and Indian crafts.

From here, a short drive will take you back to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Rio Negro Palace, Palacete Provincial, Manaus Opera House, Mercado Municipal

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be able to negotiate steps to get on and off the coach. The tour sequence may vary. The Opera House is sometimes closed due to commitments, such as rehearsals, without prior notice. Interior visits of the Rio Negro Palace are no longer allowed, the tour includes an external visit with photo opportunity. Lightweight clothing is recommended.