Alcântara, in Maranhão, is a historic city that offers a rich combination of colonial architecture, evocative ruins, vibrant cultural traditions and beautiful natural landscapes. Located about 20 kilometres from São Luís, the state capital, Alcântara is a fascinating tourist destination, easily accessible by boat.
Alcântara, in Maranhão, has a wealth of architecture, alternating between ruins and houses that document the heyday and decline of the city, which dates back to the early 17th century.
A good day trip from São Luís do Maranhão, Alcântara was once one of the richest cities in Maranhão between the 18th and 19th centuries, but much of its historical heritage has been lost.
Traces of the past can be seen in colonial townhouses covered in Portuguese tiles, the ruins of the Palácio Negro slave market and the Town Hall building, which housed a public prison in the 18th century.
Opposite Praça do Pelourinho are the ruins of the Igreja Matriz de São Matias and the interesting Museu Histórico, a fine example of period architecture.
Next to the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo are the remains of two palaces built by rival aristocratic families to receive the Emperor Dom Pedro II.
A fortune was invested in the works of the Barons of Pindaré and Mearim, but the monarch never came to Alcântara and they were subsequently abandoned, symbolising the city’s decline.
Part of this history of decadence is told in a remarkable way in the book Noite Sobre Alcântara, by the immortal Josué Montello.
As well as visiting the churches and buildings in the town centre, you should also visit the surrounding beaches. They aren’t spectacular, but they provide a good balance between culture and nature.
The Facade Tiles of São Luís do Maranhão are symbols of the Luso-Brazilian heritage, combining aesthetic function and climate protection. They originated in Portugal in the 19th century and reflect Renaissance, Mannerist and Industrial styles. Present in thousands of buildings, they are part of the city’s historical heritage, recognised by […]
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is during the high season, which is between June and August.. During this period, the lagoons are full due to the rains that occur between January and June, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for water recreation. However, the park […]
Historical and Artistic Museum of Maranhão If you want to learn about the way of life of the wealthy families of São Luís in past centuries, their customs, habits and curiosities, don’t miss a visit to the Maranhão Historical and Artistic Museum. Housed in a 19th-century manor house, the museum […]
The Ribeirão Fountain is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in São Luís. Located between Rua do Ribeirão and Rua dos Afogados, this beloved symbol of the city was returned to the people after a long period of restoration by the City Council. Like several other fountains in […]
History of the Arthur Azevedo Theatre in São Luís do Maranhão The Arthur Azevedo Theatre, one of the most beautiful postcards of São Luís do Maranhão and an important theatre, was built to meet the needs of the petty bourgeoisie of the city in the nineteenth century. Enriched by the […]
João Lisboa Square: A historical landmark in São Luís João Lisboa Square was originally called Largo do Carmo, in reference to the Nossa Senhora de Monte Carmelo Convent and Church. This space is inextricably linked to important historical events in the city, such as the Battle between the Dutch and […]
The Maranhão Natural History and Archaeology Research Centre, located in São Luís, houses a collection of pieces and relics from the past. Although extinct, dinosaurs continue to fascinate people. Archaeological Collection In the Archaeological area you can see tools, ceramics, lithic materials, tiles and other important relics. This collection provides […]
Popular culture of Maranhão at Casa de Nhozinho Maranhão’s popular culture is the central theme of the exhibitions at Casa de Nhozinho, a museum housed in a imposing 19th-century mansion on Rua Portugal, one of the city’s most beautiful streets. A tribute to the Maranhão craftsman The museum is named […]
Rua do Giz, also known as 28 de Julho, is an area that was once the setting for soap operas, home to an important economic corridor and the cradle of São Luís do Maranhão bohemian life. Among the streets of the historic centre, Rua do Giz stands out for its […]
The Church of São José do Desterro, like most of the colonial religious temples in São Luís, was rebuilt several times, especially after the battles between the Portuguese and the Dutch that marked the city’s history. First buildings Originally, the church was a small chapel thatched with straw, with the […]
The João do Vale Theatre is one of the few spaces dedicated to artistic performances in São Luís. This important cultural space reflects the rich history and artistic tradition of the region. History of the building The building that houses the theatre was originally a sugar warehouse owned by the […]
The Convento das Mercês, once a barracks, is now home to the Fundação da Memória Republicana Brasileira and was recently named one of the Seven Treasures of São Luís.. Construction and foundation Construction began in 1654, when the Mercedarians João Cerveira (from Maranhão de Alcântara) and Marcos Natividade arrived in […]
Cine Éden is a magnificent cinema in São Luís do Maranhão whose façade has been preserved and retains its original features, including the name of the venue in relief. The urbanisation of São Luís and the emergence of cinemas In the first half of the 20th century, as São Luís […]
Barreirinhas is considered the main gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and is home to most of the tourist agencies. This city, Barreirinhas, is an excellent base from which to explore the wonders of the Lençóis Maranhenses, with a variety of activities to suit different interests and levels of […]
Santo Amaro do Maranhão is a charming village and one of the main gateways to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Although less well known than Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro do Maranhão offers a quieter and more authentic experience, with stunning landscapes and an intimate connection with nature. Location and access The […]
Caburé is a small, charming peninsula between the Preguiças River and the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the most fascinating stops on a speedboat trip along the Preguiças River. Situated in the Lençóis Maranhenses region, Caburé offers a unique and varied experience, combining beach, river, dunes and enchanting tranquillity. […]
Atins is a small, picturesque fishing village located at the mouth of the Preguiças River in the Lençóis Maranhenses. Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, quiet beaches and rustic, cosy atmosphere, Atins has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic and relaxing experience. Location and access Atins is […]
São Luís do Maranhão, capital of the state of Maranhão, is a city rich in history and culture, full of interesting curiosities. The foundation and the cultural mix São Luís do Maranhão was founded by the French, invaded by the Dutch and colonised by the Portuguese. The result of this […]
Discover the rich history and colonial architecture of São Luís do Maranhão, a heritage site that reflects the cultural heritage and unique beauty of one of Brazil’s most important historical centres. The Historic Centre of São Luís do Maranhão stands out for the uniformity and simple, regular, beauty of its […]
The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park can be accessed mainly through three towns: Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro do Maranhão and Atins. Each of these towns offers different ways of accessing and exploring the Park, giving visitors a unique experience. Park Description The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil’s most impressive […]
Cafua das Mercês – Black Museum The Cafua das Mercês, located in São Luís do Maranhão, is a former slave depot that tells the story of black people through the exhibition of works of art and objects from the time of slavery, including instruments of torture. Preserving memory Today, the […]
Convent and Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo in São Luís do Maranhão The Convent and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo are located in the Praça João Lisboa in São Luís do Maranhão and belong to the Capuchin Order. The church is one of the most important and […]
Benedito Leite Public Library in São Luís do Maranhão The Benedito Leite Public Library, located in São Luís do Maranhão, is one of the most important public libraries in Brazil and the second oldest in the country. Founded on 3 May 1829, the library is an important centre for cultural […]
Cristo Rei Palace in São Luís do Maranhão The Cristo Rei Palace is located in the Largo dos Amores and is an example of 19th century Ludovico architecture. Historically, it served as a residence for nobles, housed Jesuit schools and was the seat of the Archbishopric. Today, the palace houses […]
Josué Montello House of Culture in São Luís do Maranhão The Josué Montello House of Culture is part of the Cultural System of the State of Maranhão and aims to promote studies, research and work in the fields of Literature, Arts, Social Sciences, History and Geography, covering the artistic and […]
Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in São Luís do Maranhão The Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios dates from 1719 and is part of the urban ensemble of the Gonçalves Dias Square, formerly known as the Largo dos Remédios. Festivals were held here during the month of October, making […]
Gonçalves Dias Square in São Luís do Maranhão Gonçalves Dias Square was inaugurated in 1873 and is located on land belonging to the Order of São Francisco, on a promontory overlooking the Anil River, overlooking the São Francisco Bridge and the neighbourhood of the same name. Location and characteristics It […]
Igreja da Sé or Church of Our Lady of Victory in São Luís do Maranhão The Igreja da Sé, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Victory, is the Cathedral of São Luís do Maranhão. Located in the city’s Historic Centre, the Igreja da Sé is one of […]
Catarina Mina Street in São Luís do Maranhão Beco Catarina Mina in São Luís do Maranhão was named in honour of the slave Catarina Rosa Pereira de Jesus, known for her great beauty. Through hard work and “favours” from the wealthy Portuguese, Catarina managed to raise enough money to buy […]
Casa Real Empório in São Luís do Maranhão The Casa Real Empório, located in the Historic Centre of São Luís, is a pleasant place to meet friends, have a quick snack in the middle of the afternoon or take a break after walking around the city centre. Located on Rua […]
La Ravardière Palace in São Luís do Maranhão The La Ravardière Palace, built in 1689, is one of the city’s first major buildings and currently serves as the administrative headquarters of the Municipal Government. Historical heritage The Palais de La Ravardière has been declared a Historic Monument and is located […]
History of the Palácio dos Leões in São Luís do Maranhão The Palácio dos Leões is one of the most important historical and architectural landmarks in São Luís, Maranhão. With a built area of 3,000 square metres, the palace is divided into three wings: residential, administrative and visitor. Video about […]
São Luís or São Luís do Maranhão is a Brazilian municipality and the capital of the state of Maranhão. With more than four centuries of history, the city has many attractions listed as World Heritage Sites, as well as the largest architectural ensemble of Portuguese tiles in Latin America. The […]
Kitesurfing in Atins: Constant winds and perfect conditions Atins is a privileged destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts, offering ideal conditions with constant winds, shallow waters and a quiet, picturesque atmosphere. Situated at the mouth of the Preguiças River in the heart of the Lençóis Maranhenses, Atins has become a popular meeting […]
The dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park look like gigantic sheets of sand. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the municipalities of Paulino Neves, Tutóia, Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, Primeira Cruz and Humberto de Campos. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park covers 155,000 hectares of dunes, rivers, lagoons and […]
Alcântara, located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, is a city rich in history and culture, offering a charming tourist destination. The streets of Alcântara, just 22 kilometres from São Luís do Maranhão, take tourists on a journey through history. They are lined with ruins and houses that document the heyday […]
São Luís do Maranhão, often just called São Luís, is an enchanting destination in the north-eastern region of Brazil. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture and vibrant traditions, São Luís offers a unique mix of attractions for tourists. Saint Louis was the first name of São Luís, a […]
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