1. Sao Joao Batista dos Militares Church
This
is one of the few churches in Olinda, that was preserved from the fire started
by the Dutch in 1631. The reason for this could be because it belonged to
the military brotherhood and because it has served as general quarters for
the invaders. However there is an inscription above the pulpit dated after
1660 suggesting that it had been reconstructed after the Dutch invasion.
The Master Plan for the restoration of the building was financed by the Foundation and the State Government (FUNDARPE), and carried out by Centro de Estudos Avancados da Conservacao Integrada - CECI. There are some minor amendments to the scheme to conform with heritage standards, which are in hand, and the completed Master Plan will be submitted to Instituto Patrimonio Historico e Artistico Nacional (IPHAN) for approval in March 2008. IPHAN is the national equivalent of English Heritage.
The restoration costs for the building were approved in September 2006 by The Ministry of Culture and are to be provided by The Brazilian National Heritage Fund. Work is scheduled to commence in April 2007.
The Master Plan for this project can be viewed by clicking here.
Dedication:
The project is to be dedicated to the memory of Jeremy Carrington, who lost his life in the 9/11 tragedy in New York. Jeremy was the son of Michael Carrington, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive of The Maria Nobrega Foundation.
2. Nossa Senhora das Neves Church and Sao Francisco Convent
The
Convento de Sao Francisco is one of the largest monasteries in Olinda
and houses one the finest collections of historical manuscripts and books
in Brazil. Constructed in 1585, it is the oldest Franciscan Convent in
Brazil. Because it was partially destroyed by the Dutch, it was rebuilt
in the second half of the 17th century. The Convent is now urgently in
need of restoration and is on the World Monument Fund Watch List of endangered
historic monuments.The Master Plan for the restoration is now complete
and was funded by The World Monuments Fund through The American Express
Foundation. The Master Plan now awaits formal approval of The Instituto
de Patrimonio Historico a Artistico (IPHAN). This body is responsible
for ensuring that all recommendations for the restoration of historic
buildings conform to established international standards
The Master Plan can be viewed by clicking here.
3. The acquisition of Jewish houses in Olinda
There are some early 16th century houses in Olinda for which historic records exist of their occupation by Jewish traders. The location of a clandestine synagogue is also recorded. Many of these houses are in a poor state of repair. It is the aim of the Foundation to acquire these properties over a period of time, restore them and put them to economic use as pousadas, work shops and the establishment of a Jewish Art Museum.
4. The protection of the Curado Atlantic Rain Forest
Mata
do Curado is a 90 hectare Atlantic Rain Forest situated on the outskirts
of Recife and some 20 kilometers from Olinda. The site was gifted to the
Foundation in 2004 on condition that the Forest, which contains many rare
species of flora and fauna, be protected as an eco-tourist facility.
Our brief is the recovery of the Mata Atlantica species with a replanting scheme. The existing buildings are to be restored to provide a Visitor Centre and accommodation for the existing tenants on the site. The Army Commander for The North East, General Eron, has kindly put at the disposal of The Foundation, Army Engineers, who will produce the site Master Plan, which is expected to be finished by February 2007. The 7th Battalion Brazilian Army Engineers, Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Rui Santiago de Sousa, will carry out restoration works.
5. Academic reference Book
The publication of an academic reference work on the history of Olinda. The book is to be published in two formats, one in hard cover and the second as a paperback to be issued to schools.
6. Historic Jewish Houses
The acquisition of historic Jewish houses in Olinda is other project of the foundation.