Sights in Paraty
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Igreja Nossa Senhora Do Rosário
Built by slaves in 1725, the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário served as the city’s black parish. Its two wooden, gilt-trimmed side altars showcase the talents of early 19th-century wood-carvers. Note also the black St Benedict holding the Christ child to the left of the altar, the stone pulpit carved into the wall, and the pineapple-like chandelier base in the roof – a symbol of prosperity. An old burial ground lies beneath the church floorboards.
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Beaches
The closest fine beaches on the coast - Vermelha and Lulas (northeast of Paraty) and Saco do Mamanguá (to the east) - are an hour away by boat. The best island beaches nearby are probably Araújo and Sapeca; many other islands have rocky shores and are private. The mainland beaches tend to be better; most have barracas (stalls) serving beer and fish and, at most, a handful of beachgoers.
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A
Casa da Cultura
In a beautiful colonial mansion, Paraty’s Casa da Cultura has a fascinating permanent exhibition documenting local culture through photos and videotaped interviews with residents. The museum also displays relics from Paraty’s past, with signs in English and Portuguese. There are fabulous views of town from the main gallery upstairs.
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Forte Defensor Perpétuo
A 20-minute walk north of town, Forte Defensor Perpétuo commands a fine view over the bay. It was built in 1703 (and rebuilt in 1822) to defend against pirate raids on the gold pipeline that ran to Minas Gerais. The fort, located on the Morro da Vila Velha (the hill past Praia do Pontal) also houses an arts center.
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B
Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos
Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos was the church for freed mulattos (persons of mixed black and European parentage). Built in 1722, it houses a tiny museum of sacred art and has some fine woodwork on the doorways and altars. At the time of research, both the church and the museum were closed for renovation.
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Matriz Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Overlooking the lush Praça da Matriz, the Matriz Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is a fine stone church with handsome tiled floors, wedding cake–style alcoves and a row of glass-encased saint figures peering down at would-be worshippers. Paraty’s settlement began around the time builders first erected the church.
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C
Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos
Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos was built in 1725 by and for slaves. Renovated in 1857, the church has gilded wooden altars dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, St Benedict and St John. The pineapple-like chandelier base in the roof is a symbol of prosperity.
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D
Matriz NS dos Remédios
Matriz NS dos Remédios was built in 1787 on the site of two 17th-century churches. Inside, there is art from past and contemporary local artists. According to legend, the construction of the church was financed by pirate treasure found hidden on Praia da Trindade.
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E
Praia do Pontal
Back in Paraty, walking north across the river, the first beach you'll reach is Praia do Pontal. A handful of open-air restaurants lines its shore, but the water can get a bit murky. The cleaner and relatively secluded Praia do Forte lies a quick walk north from there.
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F
Capela de NS das Dores
Capela de NS das Dores, the church of the colonial white elite, was built in 1800 and renovated in 1901. It houses a small art gallery and a fascinating cemetery in the inner courtyard.
reviewed
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Casa de Artista e Centro de Artes e Tradições Populares de Paraty
The Casa de Artista e Centro de Artes e Tradições Populares de Paraty is a museum and gallery that displays fishing implements and baskets, and sells local handicrafts.
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Praia do Jabaquara
Praia do Jabaquara is a spacious beach with great views, shallow waters and a small restaurant overlooking the sand.
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