UN cultural agency UNESCO, on 27th July, added two theatres in the Brazilian Amazon to its World Heritage List. The Amazonia Theatres are Teatro da Paz in Belém, Pará state and Teatro Amazonas in Manaus, Amazonas state.

Constructed in the late 19th century during the rubber boom, they are a mix of European style and local materials and symbols. The theatres were conceived of “political and urban ambition”, said UNESCO.

Theatro da Paz, opened in 1878, highlighted the city of Belem as one of the most important port cities in the country, while Teatro Amazonas, opened in 1896, symbolised the quick development of Manaus during the rubber boom.