Olinda is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, it was founded in 1535 by Duarte Coelho Pereira, and obtained the status of town on March 12, 1537.
The city was the seat of the captaincy of Pernambuco and taken by the Dutch in 1630 during the Portuguese-Dutch War. The following year, it was burned and the headquarters were transferred to Recife
In the year 1637 it was elevated to the category of city.
In 1654 it became the capital of the state of Pernambuco again, when the Portuguese regained power and expelled the Dutch.
In the year 1837, it lost that title of capital again, since Recife was the capital ever since.
See also information on Recife.
