Laranjeiras

Laranjeiras (SE): Brazil’s Historical and Cultural Heritage

Laranjeiras, located in the state of Sergipe, is a city rich in history and cultural heritage.

Known for its colonial architecture, historic landmarks and vibrant festivals, Laranjeiras is a must for those who want to explore Brazil’s cultural heritage.

In 1996, the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) listed the architectural, urban and landscape complex of Laranjeiras, recognising its historical and cultural value.

To explore Laranjeiras is to immerse oneself in a universe of tradition, religiosity and cultural richness, amidst beautiful examples of Brazil’s historical heritage.

Top attractions in Laranjeiras (SE)

1. Mother Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Built at the end of the 18th century, it is considered the first church in Brazil dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

2. Church of Our Lady of the Conception of Comandaroba

Inaugurated in 1734 by the Jesuits, it is located on the banks of the Cotinguiba River.

3. Casa do Engenho Retiro and Chapel of St. Anthony

Built by the Jesuits at the end of the 17th century and consecrated in 1701.

4. Jesus, Mary and Joseph Mill Chapel

Built in 1769, it is now in ruins.

5. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St Benedict

Built by blacks in the 19th century, it was the centre of celebrations for the Festival of Kings and the Queen of Taieira.

6. Pedra Furada Cave

A limestone formation used as a refuge by the natives of the region.

7. Terreiro Filhos de Obá

Nagô Cult Terreiro listed by the State Government.

8. Church of Our Lord of Bonfim

Built in the 19th century, with the cemetery of the Brotherhood at the back.

9. Matriana Cave

A refuge for Jesuit priests, with paintings by Horácio Hora.

10. City Market

A 19th century building with Gothic features.

11. Trapiche

A 19th century building used to store the sugar produced by the sugar mills.

12. Church of Bom Jesus dos Navegantes

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it is the scene of a traditional annual procession.

13. Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Pardos

Built in the 19th century by the Brown Men as a centre of Marian devotion.

14. Chapel of Sant’Aninha

Private chapel built on the site of the former gunpowder depot in Sítio Sant’Aninha.

15. Presbyterian Church

Inaugurated in 1899, it marks the religious conflicts of the time.

16. Laranjeiras Museum of Religious Art

Founded in 1980, it houses a valuable collection of religious art.

17. Afro-Brazilian Museum of Sergipe

Inaugurated in 1976, it preserves and exhibits Afro-Brazilian culture in a 19th century building.

18. João Ribeiro Cultural Centre

Birthplace of the academic João Ribeiro.

19. Caves of Laranjeiras

With 16 catalogued caves, this is the lowland city with the highest number of caves in Brazil.

Festivals and cultural events

1. Cultural Meeting of Laranjeiras

Held in January, this is one of the most important cultural events in the state.

How to get there

  • By car: Approximately 20 km from Aracaju on the SE-170 motorway.
  • By Bus: Regular Bus lines from Aracaju to Laranjeiras.
  • By Plane: Santa Maria Airport (Aracaju), accessible by taxi, bus or rental car.