Church-hopping in Paraty is traveling
through the history of Colonial Brazil. The oldest
structure dates back to 1722. Churches were built
specifically for slaves, freeman, ladies of the society,
and the aristocracy. They may be small and plain, or big
and heavy enough to sink a whole block! Churches in
Paraty charge a small entrance fee, and photos inside are
not allowed. Check the clickable
street map for the location of each church.
Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do
Rosário
The largest church in Paraty takes over a whole block.
Its construction started in 1646, and ended only in 1873.
The back part of the church was never really finished for
two good reasons. They ran out of money, and the whole
block started to sink under its heavy weight. To give you
an idea, the church was originally on the same level as
the square across the street that is now a few steps up.
Inside, the highlights are the images of Nossa Senhora
dos Remédios, São José Arcanjo, and Senhor dos Passos.
Capela de Nossa Senhora das
Dores
Dating back to the year of 1800, this church was once the
favorite with local aristocrats. Later it was used mostly
by rich women of the society. They would enter the church
and watch the services, while their slaves waited
outside. The church was renovated in 1901. The altars are
dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Dores, and Senhor Bom
Jesus. The image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, that is
originally from this chapel, was stolen. It was recovered
in the 1990's, and now can be seen at the Museum of
Sacred Art.
Capela de Santa Rita
The oldest church in Paraty was completed in 1722. It was
the church of freeman, former slaves who earned or paid
for their liberty. The old catacombs used to be right
next to the church. Today it is home to the Museum of
Sacred Art. There are many important pieces in wood and
terracotta. The image of São Sebastião from the XVII
century, silver candle holders, gold crowns and other
valuable objects are on display at the vault.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do
Rosário e São Benedito
This church was built and used originally by African
slaves. It is the second oldest church in Paraty, dating
back to 1725. This is where the festivities of São
Benedito are held, every first week of December. The
church has a more rustic style, also typical to XVI and
XVII centuries in Rio and Minas Gerais. Highlights inside
are the carved wooden piece holding the central
chandelier, and the images of Santa Barbara and São
Francisco.
