Siege of Recife (1630)

The siege of Recife was a battle between Dutch and Portuguese forces near modern-day Recife, Brazil, in 1630.

Siege of Recife
Part of the Dutch invasions of Brazil
Dutch siege of Olinda and Recife
Date February 14 – March 3, 1630 Location Pernambuco, Brazil Result Dutch victory
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	Portugal
Commanders and leaders
Hendrick Lonck[1]	Matias de Albuquerque[1]
Strength
7,000 Troops 67 Ships	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

In the summer of 1629, the Dutch coveted a newfound interest in obtaining the captaincy of Pernambuco, the largest and richest sugar-producing area in the world.^[2][3] The Dutch fleet of 65 ships was led by Hendrick Corneliszoon Loncq. The Dutch West India Company gained control of Olinda by 16 February 1630, and Recife (the capital of Pernambuco) and the island of António Vaz (opposite to the town) by 3 March.^[3]

This began a war over Brazil, which would see the Dutch establish a colony called New Holland and end with the Portuguese regaining their captured possessions.

See also

• Mauritsstad
• Recapture of Recife (1652–1654)