Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Paraty
1
One of the most photographed colonial
towns on the Brazilian coast, Paraty has
been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
1958. Though settled by the Portuguese in
the 16th century, it was developed a cen-
tury later as an important port from where
gold was shipped to Europe. Extremely
charming, the whitewashed churches and
terra-cotta roofs offset the lush green of
the rainforest-clad mountains, and the placid bay whose
emerald waters lap at the town's quay. Paraty has an
impressive literary tradition; the annual Festa Literária
Internacional de Paraty (FLIP) is a big draw. It is also an
ideal base for exploring the dazzling Brazilian coastline,
and boasts lovely
pousadas
(exclusive hotels).
Shop window in
Paraty
Statue of St. Benedict, Nossa
Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito
E
Santa Rita dos
Pardos Libertos
Largo da Santa Rita.
R
Nossa Senhora do
Rosário e São Benedito
Rua Tenente Francisco Antônio.
10am-
noon & 2-5pm Wed-Sun.
#
The façade of Paraty's oldest
church now graces travel
brochures of the city. It was
built in 1722 by, and for, all
those considered not white
enough to attend the church
of the ruling elite. These
would have included the
illegitimate offspring of the
aristocracy, their children in
turn, indigenous people, and
freed slaves. In design the
church is typically Jesuit, with
three windows in the upper
chancel and a curvilinear
door. Except for the beauti-
fully worked altarpiece in the
sanctuary and fine woodwork
on the doorways, its interior
is plain. Deconsecrated in the
20th century, the church now
serves as the sparse
Museu de
Arte Sacra
. Displayed reli-
gious artifacts include gold
and silver remonstrances.
&
^
#
Slaves worshipped at Nossa
Senhora do Rosário e São
Benedito, which was built
in 1725. The interior of this
humble church is almost
entirely free of embellish-
ment, except for heavy gilt
on the altarpiece. However, it
retains a simple dignity and a
sacred atmosphere. Its design
resembles the Minas Gerais
chapels of the same period.
Every November, locals cel-
ebrate A Festa dos Santos
(Feast of All Saints) here,
where they remember some
of the building's historical
past. Mass is followed by a
procession where church-
goers carry figures of a king
and queen, recalling the
Maracatú monarchs of
Pernambuco, and icons
of the various saints.
1-5pm daily.
&
^
Sturdy iron bars of the Casa
de Cadeia, a former prison
E
Casa de Cadeia
Rua Travessa Santa Rita.
Tel
(024)
3371 1056.
#
9am-5pm daily.
&
The 18th-century Casa de
Cadeia served as the town's
prison until 1890. Retaining
its original iron prison bars,
this building now serves as
the public library, besides
housing the Casa do Artesão
(Artisan's House).
8
^
Paraty's whitewashed buildings reflected in the placid waters at the quay
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp370-72 and pp396-7
