Paraty Landmarks and Monuments

(Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

The mixture of landmarks and buildings in Paraty is certainly rather varied, with the traffic-free historic town centre featuring a maze of cobblestone streets, historical buildings and beautiful churches. Much of the architecture in this part of Paraty has remained virtually untouched for around two and a half centuries.

The fortifications of Paraty are of special interest to historians and these old landmarks are located along the coastline, being built in the 17th and 18th century to protect the town from possible attack by pirates. Forte Defensor Perpétuo is one of the most noteworthy fortresses, while others include Forte Iticopé, Forte Patitiba (the Battery Barracks) and Forte da Ponta Grossa.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e Sao Benedito dos Homens Pretos (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Benedict)

Address: Largo do Rosario, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
A charming historical church constructed in the early part of the 18th century, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e Sao Benedito dos Homens Pretos was built by African slaves, solely for their use. The architecture is fairly rustic and simple, while inside, the decorations include gilded wooden altars and a grand chandelier. Each year at the beginning of December, the lively celebrations of Sao Benedito (St. Benedict) are staged here.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 12:00, 13:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos (Church of Saint Rita)

Address: Rua Santa Rita, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
The oldest church in the entire town, the Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos dates back to 1722, the year of its completion. Built for the use of mixed-race 'mulattos', the church contains some intricate wooden carvings, ornate altars and the small Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art).
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores (Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows)

Address: Rua Fresca, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores was originally something of an elitist church, used mainly by affluent society women. Renovated 100 years later, the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows has a particularly interesting cemetery, which is based within the central courtyard. Of interest, the image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade was actually stolen from here and finally recovered many years later in the 1990s, now being housed within the Museum of Sacred Art at the Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Remédios (First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies)

Address: Praca Monsenhor Hélio Pires, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
The biggest of all of Paraty's churches, the Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Remédios dominates the Praca Monsenhor Hélio Pires and takes up more than a whole block. Built towards the end of the 18th century and standing on the site of two older churches, the First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies holds an interesting legend, since many locals believe that it was financed when the treasure of pirates was discovered on the Praia da Trindade (Trindade Beach). Of interest, the church now also functions as a local art gallery.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 13:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Forte Defensor Perpétuo

Address: Morro da Vila Velha, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Constructed more than 300 years ago, at the beginning of the 18th century, and featuring six British cannons, the Forte Defensor Perpétuo enjoys an elevated hilltop setting, overlooking the Old Town (Vila Velha) and protecting the warehouses below. In 1822, the fort was in a state of disrepair and so a major restoration project was undertaken, to restore it to its former glory, although today the structure is little more than ruins. However, the fortress is home to a Powder House and also the Centro de Artes e Tradicoes Populares (Centre for Popular Arts and Traditions). Of interest, local historians believe that this fortress formed the nucleus of the original settlement.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Cachoeira da Pedra Branca (White Stone Waterfall)

Address: Fazenda Murycana, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
A truly beautiful waterfall, the Cachoeira da Pedra Branca is formed by two natural cascades of water, which crash into a large pool below, surrounded by a series of large rocks. The waterfall is easy to find and can be reached by taking the road to Fazenda Murycana. On a hot day, many visitors choose to swim in the pool, with a large rock being conveniently positioned in the centre should you need a rest. Nearby attractions include the remains of a historic hydroelectric plant, along with a restaurant serving simple refreshments.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free