Paraty

Historic Churches

Paraty’s historic center features a collection of colonial churches, each historically serving a specific segment of 18th and 19th-century society. These structures showcase Portuguese colonial architecture, ranging from the grand neoclassical parish church to smaller chapels built by enslaved people and the local aristocracy. Many house religious art and serve as central landmarks for the city's traditional festivals and religious processions.

Igreja Santa Rita de Cassia

Completed in 1722, this is Paraty’s oldest church. It features a whitewashed colonial facade and currently houses the Museum of Sacred Art, displaying 17th-century religious artifacts and wood carvings.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

The town’s main parish church, constructed between 1787 and 1873. This large neoclassical structure features unfinished towers, a result of the building's heavy masonry beginning to sink into the marshy ground during construction.

Igreja Nossa Senhora das Dores

Built in 1800 for the local aristocracy, this chapel overlooks the bay. It features a small internal cemetery and refined colonial architectural details typical of the late 18th century.

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Established in 1725 for the town's enslaved population, this church contains Paraty's only remaining gilded wood altars. It preserves original 18th-century interior decorations and serves as the center for the Feast of Saint Benedict.

Igreja São Vicente de Paulo

A small colonial-style chapel located north of Paraty's main historic center in the coastal district of Tarituba. It serves as a community place of worship for the local fishing village.