Amazonas: Manaus – Exploring the City
Manaus is the largest city in the Amazon Basin, sitting on the confluence of Rio Negro and Solimoes that form the mighty Amazon. The city was established in 1693 and reached amazing prosperity in the 19th century as rubber boom created one of the richest cities in South America. At the time, it was known as the Paris of America, as many European came here and built over-the-top luxurious architecture reminiscent of Paris, with marble, wood, crystal – all being imported from Europe. Today, the center of Manaus still bears the remnants of the colonial past – with several palaces, grand squares, opera house, lavish waterfront market, and just dozens and dozens old building slowly falling in disrepair.
