Discover Alcobaça: History, culture and natural beauty in Bahia

Alcobaça, a simple and charming place, stands out for its good beaches and beautiful excursions. Among the most attractive are a boat trip to the Abrolhos Archipelago or the Timbebas Reefs.

Historical origins

The municipality has its origins in a village founded on 12 November 1772 by the ombudsman José Xavier Machado Monteiro, in a place called Arraial de Itanhém, on the banks of the Itanhém River, south of the Captaincy of Porto Seguro. Today it is part of the Microregion of the Extreme South of Bahia, known as the Whale Coast.

The Royal Charter of 1755

The foundation of Alcobaça can be traced back to the Royal Charter of 1755, one of the most important documents in the history of Brazil in the 18th century. In this letter, King José I of Portugal ordered the creation of the Captaincy of São José do Rio Negro and gave instructions for the foundation of towns in the colony.

This letter is mentioned in the “Autos de Criação e Ereção da Nova Vila de Alcobaça” of 12 November 1772, which is considered the starting point for the history of the municipality.

Origin of the name

The name Alcobaça comes from a town of the same name in Portugal, in the municipality of Leiria. According to a unproven legend, the first inhabitants of Alcobaça in Bahia came from there.

Patron saint of the city

St. Bernard was chosen as the patron saint of the town, which is why 19th century documents refer to the place as “Vila de São Bernardo de Alcobaça”.

Underwater attractions

For lovers of underwater life, the Paredão das Paredes is an unmissable attraction, where spearfishing is allowed, offering a unique experience at the bottom of the sea.

Videos about Alcobaça’s Tourist Attractions and History

Alcobaça in Bahia

1. Folk and religious festivals

The popular fiestas in Alcobaça are marked by a strong presence of religious and cultural traditions, with the following dates standing out:

• 19 and 20 January: Fight between Moors and Christians (known elsewhere in Bahia and Brazil as Cavalhada, Chegança de, Mouros, Marujada, among others).
• 20 January: Festival of São Sebastião (culmination of the Moorish and Christian Festival).
• Pentecost (May or June): Feast of the Divine (with a parade and a procession through the streets of the city).
• 29 June: Feast of St Peter (with a parade and a boat procession on the River Itanhém).
• Christmas season: Folguedo de Reis, Pastorinhas, Terno, de, Boi (also known as Bumba Meu Boi), among others.

In Alcobaça, the main folkloric events are closely linked to religious festivals, reflecting the popular devotion and cultural syncretism of the region.

Feast of Saint Bernard

Alcobaça’s biggest religious festival is dedicated to São Bernardo and takes place every year from 11 to 21 August, with its climax on 20 August, the day of São Bernardo.

As well as being a time of great religious expression, this festival attracts many visitors and is one of the city’s biggest cultural events. The festivities include music, dances and religious rituals involving the entire local community.

Feast of St Peter

For a city whose economy is strongly linked to fishing, the Feast of Saint Peter, celebrated on June 29th, has a special significance. Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is honoured with a procession of boats from the port pier to the bar of the Itanhém River, symbolising gratitude for the protection on the high seas and the abundance of fish. This tradition, deeply rooted in the daily lives of local fishermen, reflects the importance of St Peter in the life of the community and in the city’s fishing culture.

Feast of St Sebastian

The traditional Fight between Moors and Christians, celebrated on 19 and 20 January, is one of the most striking cultural events in Alcobaça. Introduced by the Portuguese during the colonial period, this festival reflects the Medieval Wars between the Christians and the Moorish, symbolising the eternal struggle between Good and Evil. The festival, which includes reenactments, typical dances and music, is one of the most unique and important cultural expressions of Alcobaça and is preserved with great affection by the local generations.

2. Architecture and Historical Heritage

Alcobaça’s architecture preserves its history, especially in the mansions and townhouses of the 19th century. Its streets are paved with hexagonal concrete blocks, and many centuries-old farmsteads can still be found in the surrounding area.

The preservation of these historic sites has been recommended by technicians from the Bahia Cultural Heritage Institute (IPAC-BA), who are carrying out studies on the historical and architectural importance of the region. Alcobaça is also recognised for its natural attractions, which include beautiful beaches and landscapes that complement its historical heritage.

2.1 São Bernardo Mother Church

Located in the Padre José Porphirio Square, the imposing Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo is one of Alcobaça’s most important landmarks. Its construction began in the 1860s, under the direction of Father José Porphirio da Silva, and was not completed until 1887, after his death.

The church has undergone several renovations, including the replacement of the ceramic roof with asbestos in 1958 and the modernisation of the high altar in the 1970s.

2.2 House of Izidro Nascimento

Built in 1892 by Major Izidro Pedro do Nascimento, this historic townhouse, located at Rua Pedro Muniz, 206, currently serves as the parish house. Its façade preserves original details, while the interior has been adapted over time.

2.3 Medeiros Family Villa

Also known as the Ismael Medeiros House, this sobrado at 190 Rua Pedro Muniz was built by João José de Medeiros. Typical of a 19th-century bourgeois sobrado, it had a high basement, which, according to reports of the time, was used to house slaves and servants.

2.4 Cacimba do Concelho

Located between Joaquim Muniz and Pedro Muniz streets, the Cacimba do Concelho is a historic water source for the city, probably dating from the 18th century. Its current structure, octagonal in plan and lined with geometric tiles, was built at the end of the 19th century.

The fountain was closed in the 1970s when the water supply was modernised, but it remains an architectural and cultural landmark of Alcobaça.

2.5 Municipal Prison

Located on the banks of the Itanhém River, the old Municipal Jail is another important historical landmark. Its construction dates back to the 19th century and it served both as a prison and as the local administrative headquarters.

2.6 Casa da Cultura de Alcobaça (or Casa de Garcia Júnior)

Located in Praça Padre José Porphirio, opposite Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo, this large single-storey house originally belonged to Antonio Garcia de Medeiros Júnior (1861-1945), the former mayor of the town. After his heirs took possession, the property was donated to the municipality to be used as a school.

Later, at the end of the 1960s, the house was converted into a recreation centre. It currently houses the House of Culture, which hosts musical, theatrical and cultural events, as well as a museum preserving local history.

2.7 Central Promenade

The Calçadão Central, an exclusive pedestrian street, runs through the heart of the city. It connects the Praça da Caixa d’Água with the Praça Padre José Porphirio, where the Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo is located.

The promenade is lively and has bars, snacks, bars and intense trade. Other promenades can be found in the city, especially near the beaches or along the river, but this is the main commercial and social point.

2.8. Caixa d’Água Square

This is one of the city’s main squares, recognisable by the huge water tank in its centre, built to ensure the distribution of drinking water.

The square is the stage for the city’s main evening events, such as parties and musical performances. During the summer and Carnival seasons, there is a temporary stage where bands and groups perform.

The square also has arcades, internet cafes, supermarkets and the city’s only bank branches: Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica Federal.

2.9 City Hall

The City Hall building, located at one end of the Praça Padre José Porphirio, has a long history marked by events such as fires, removals and renovations. The original building, attributed to the mayor of the time, Antonio Garcia de Medeiros Júnior, housed both the City Hall and the Municipal Jail, which was located under the Front Staircase.

In the 1980s the building housed a branch of the Caixa Econômica Federal and other municipal offices. After years of neglect, it was restored and recently reopened as the City Hall.

2.10. Fishermen’s Colony

The Fishermen’s Colony of Alcobaça, in addition to its trade union function, promotes cultural events such as the São Sebastião Festival. It also offers benefits to registered workers, including health and welfare plans.

The head office is located next to the houses of Izidro Nascimento and the Medeiros family.

3. Beaches of Alcobaça

3.1 Barra Beach

At the mouth of the River Itanhém, where the river meets the sea, there is a large mangrove area, ideal for water sports and sport fishing. The site has infrastructure such as a beach hut and the Deck da Barra restaurant.

3.2 Centre Beach

With its long stretch of golden sand and excellent infrastructure of beach shops, restaurants, guesthouses and hotels, this beach is a favourite with tourists of all ages.

3.3 Lighthouse Beach

Quiet and secluded, Praia do Farol is popular with young people for luals and gatherings around bonfires, usually accompanied by live music.

It is also a nesting site for sea turtles. At certain times of the year, you can witness the exciting moment when the hatchlings run into the sea.

3.4 The Itanhém River, Barra do Itanhém and Mangue

This is a popular spot for water sports and fishing, with a good infrastructure of bars and restaurants. There are also opportunities for sightseeing tours, boat and kayak hire and other activities.

3.5 Alcobaça beach

Ideal for all ages, Alcobaça’s beaches offer unique experiences. At high tide they are frequented by surfers, while at low tide they form natural pools, perfect for children and the elderly.

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