Paraty Sights

  1. 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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  2. 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. Open only sporadically, it hides a fascinating cemetery in the inner courtyard.

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  3. Casa da Cultura

    Opened in 2004 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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  4. 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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  5. Forte Defensor Perpétuo

    Forte Defensor Perpétuo was built in 1703 to defend against pirate raids on the gold passing through Paraty's port, then rebuilt in 1822 upon Brazil's independence from Portugal. It's a 20-minute walk north of town. To get there, cross the bridge over the Rio Perequê Açu, then climb the Morro da Vila Velha, the hill past Praia do Pontal. The fort commands sweeping views over the bay.

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  7. Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos

    The 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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  8. Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos

    The 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.

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  9. 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. At the time of writing, it was closed for renovation.

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  10. 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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  11. 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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