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Customs House Manaus

4.2
·21 reviews·, Brazil

A grand, abandoned architectural marvel by the Manaus port, showcasing European design from the rubber boom era.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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visão externa

Customs House Manaus

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand, abandoned architectural marvel by the Manaus port, showcasing European design from the rubber boom era.

4.2
(21 reviews)

"A beautiful abandoned building next to the port, with impressive architecture and a rich history."

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Admire from Outside

The building is often described as abandoned, so enjoy its impressive facade and architecture from the exterior.

Portside Exploration

Combine your visit with exploring the nearby port for a fuller Manaus experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Facade

Impressive Facade

Exterior

Marvel at the medievalist and Renaissance architecture, with its distinctive tower and lighthouse. A true visual feast.

Imported Bricks

Imported Bricks

Exterior

Notice the pre-assembled brick blocks imported from England, replicating early 20th-century London buildings.

Portside Proximity

Portside Proximity

Adjacent to Manaus Port

Experience the juxtaposition of grand historical architecture against the vibrant, working port.

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A Glimpse of Grandeur

The Customs House (Alfândega do Porto de Manaus) is a stunning architectural gem, though often described as abandoned. Admire its medievalist and Renaissance elements from the outside, a testament to Manaus's rubber boom era. Reddit

Portside Views

Located right by the port, the Customs House offers a unique vantage point. It's a striking contrast to the bustling port activity, making it a photogenic spot for those interested in historical architecture. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Things to do in Manaus (that are not just River tours)

Admire from Outside

The building is often described as abandoned, so enjoy its impressive facade and architecture from the exterior. Reddit

Portside Exploration

Combine your visit with exploring the nearby port for a fuller Manaus experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Can you guys give me tips about going to Manaus/Amazon?

reddit.com

Best way to see the Amazon from Manaus

Architectural Details

Look for the medievalist and Renaissance influences, including the tower and lighthouse. Reddit

reddit.com

Tips to visit the Amazon

Tips

from all over the internet

Admire from Outside

The building is often described as abandoned, so enjoy its impressive facade and architecture from the exterior. Reddit

Portside Exploration

Combine your visit with exploring the nearby port for a fuller Manaus experience. Reddit

Architectural Details

Look for the medievalist and Renaissance influences, including the tower and lighthouse. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the Customs House's stunning, albeit often abandoned, architecture, noting its impressive medievalist and Renaissance design and imported English bricks. Its prime location by the port offers unique photographic opportunities, though many lament its neglected state and wish for better preservation or utilization.

"Beautiful abandoned building next to the port."

Saikhnaa

"Beautiful place"

Prashant Tripathi

"Alfândega do Porto de Manaus: Inaugurada em 1907 Os dois prédios foram construídos pela firma inglesa Manaos Harbour Limited, como parte do contrato de concessão do porto da cidade. O projeto do prédio é da autoria dos arquitetos H.M. Fletcher e G. Pinkerton.
É um edifício com elementos medievalistas e renascentistas. O prédio da alfândega, possui torre e farol, o edifício da Alfândega foi construído em blocos de tijolos aparentes, pré-montados importados da Inglaterra, como uma reprodução dos prédios londrinos do início do século XX."

Gui Amaro

What People Like

Impressive architecture
Historic facade
Portside views

What People Dislike

Appears abandoned
Lack of interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Customs House is located right next to the Manaus Port. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or by walking if you are staying in the city center. It's a prominent landmark easily identifiable near the waterfront. Reddit

Parking directly at the Customs House is unlikely due to its portside location. It's best to use ride-sharing or taxis, or find parking in the city center and walk to the port area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No ticket is required to visit the Customs House as it is primarily viewed from the exterior. The building is often described as abandoned, so interior access is not typically available. Reddit

Since the Customs House is best viewed from the outside, there are no official opening hours. You can admire its architecture at any time, though daytime offers the best light for photography. Reddit

Unfortunately, the Customs House is generally considered abandoned and is not open for public interior tours. Visitors can appreciate its historical architecture from the outside. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are from the waterfront area facing the building, allowing you to capture its full facade, tower, and lighthouse. The adjacent port also offers interesting contrasting shots. Reddit

While generally safe during the day, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially near busy port areas. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them openly. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The Customs House was inaugurated in 1907 and built by the English firm Manaos Harbour Limited as part of the port concession contract. It reflects the wealth and ambition of Manaus during the rubber boom era. Reddit

The building features medievalist and Renaissance elements, with its design attributed to architects H.M. Fletcher and G. Pinkerton. It's known for its distinctive tower and lighthouse. Reddit

Despite its historical significance and impressive architecture, the building is often noted for appearing neglected or abandoned, with many wishing it were better utilized as a tourist attraction. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Customs House is a dream for photographers, offering a blend of grand architecture and bustling port life. Capture the medievalist and Renaissance facade, especially the tower and lighthouse, against the backdrop of the Amazonian sky. The juxtaposition of the historic building with the active port provides endless creative opportunities. Reddit

For the best shots, visit during daylight hours to take advantage of natural light. Experiment with different angles from the waterfront to frame the building effectively. Consider including elements of the port activity in your shots to tell a more complete story of Manaus. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and secure your equipment in this busy area. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

Delve into Manaus's rich past by visiting the Customs House, a symbol of the city's rubber boom prosperity. Learn about its construction in the early 20th century by English engineers and its architectural significance, blending European styles with tropical flair. Reddit

While interior access is limited, the exterior tells a story of ambition and international trade. Imagine the bustling activity that once took place here, facilitating the export of rubber that made Manaus one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It's a tangible link to a fascinating period in Brazilian history. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel of the Rubber Boom

The Customs House (Alfândega do Porto de Manaus) stands as a striking monument to Manaus's prosperous rubber boom era. Inaugurated in 1907, its construction was overseen by the English firm Manaos Harbour Limited, reflecting the significant foreign investment and influence of the time. The architectural design, credited to H.M. Fletcher and G. Pinkerton, is a fascinating blend of medievalist and Renaissance styles, a stark contrast to the tropical Amazonian surroundings. Its prominent tower and lighthouse were once vital navigational aids for ships arriving at the bustling port. Reddit

The building's construction also highlights its international origins. It was assembled using pre-assembled brick blocks imported directly from England, meticulously replicating the appearance of early 20th-century London structures. This choice of materials and design underscores the ambition to establish Manaus as a modern, cosmopolitan city on par with European capitals. Today, while its functional purpose may have diminished, its aesthetic and historical value remains immense, offering a tangible link to the city's opulent past. Reddit

A Portside Landmark

Strategically situated adjacent to the Manaus Port, the Customs House offers a unique perspective on the city's historical and ongoing maritime importance. The port itself is a hive of activity, with boats of all sizes coming and going, transporting goods and people. The imposing structure of the Customs House, with its distinctive tower, serves as a grand backdrop to this dynamic scene. Visitors often note the striking contrast between the grand, almost European architecture of the Customs House and the vibrant, tropical energy of the Amazonian port. Reddit

This proximity makes it an ideal spot for photographers looking to capture the essence of Manaus – a city where history, commerce, and nature converge. While the Customs House itself may appear neglected, its location allows for a broader appreciation of the port's role in the region's economy and culture. It’s a place where you can stand and imagine the ships laden with rubber arriving from the interior, and the passengers disembarking to experience the city's former glory. Reddit

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