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While visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Paraty, the attraction is the old town itself. There are no must-sees and must-dos. Just walking up and down the cobblestone streets past colorful colonial buildings is enough to satisfy your senses. But watch your step! It’s easy to slip off the stones or get your feet caught between them.

A street in Paraty, Brazil
Colorful street
A street in Paraty, Brazil
A street in Paraty
A street in Paraty, Brazil
A street in Paraty

Paraty is a very romantic place to wander around, and a horse drawn carriage ride could really capture the moment.

A street in Paraty, Brazil
Horse drawn carriage
A street in Paraty, Brazil
A street in Paraty
A street in Paraty, Brazil
A street in Paraty

 

Perequê-açu River

A walk along the Perequê-açu River (Rio Perequê-açu) can give some unique perspectives of town. You’ll also catch a glimpse of some very colorful wooden boats moored along the sides, some available for hire.

Rio Perequê-açu in Paraty, Brazil
Perequê-açu River

 

Flooded Streets

One of the most interesting things about Paraty is how the streets nearest to the sea are flooded during high tide. Make it a point to get up early to witness this phenomenon.

A flooded street in Paraty, Brazil
Flooded street

 

Churches

The most prominent buildings in Paraty are the churches. They also tell an interesting story about the class system during Portuguese rule. Our Lady of Sorrows (Nossa Senhora das Dores), a small church located on the waterfront, was the aristocratic church of colonial Paraty. It was built in 1800.

Nossa Senhora das Dores in Paraty, Brazil
Our Lady of Sorrows

Near the marina is Santa Rita de Cássia. The oldest church in Paraty, built in 1722, it was used by people considered not white enough to attend the aristocratic church.

Santa Rita de Cássia in Paraty, Brazil
Santa Rita de Cássia

Next to Santa Rita de Cássia is the Casa de Cadeia. It’s a small structure that served as Paraty’s prison until 1890. It was built in the 18th century and now serves as a library. I was unable to visit.

Casa de Cadeia in Paraty, Brazil
Casa de Cadeia

In the middle of town is a small church, Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict (Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito). It was used by the town’s slave population and was built in 1725.

Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito in Paraty, Brazil
Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict

The largest church in town serves as the old town’s main church. It was also the only one I was able to visit. The Church of Our Lady of Remedies (Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios) took over 100 years to built and was completed in 1873. It’s worth paying the small admission fee to take a look inside. The church sits on Matriz Square (Praça da Matriz).

Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Paraty, Brazil
Our Lady of Remedies
Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Paraty, Brazil
Our Lady of Remedies
Praça da Matriz in Paraty, Brazil
Matriz Square

 

Fountain Square

To the west of the historic part of town is Fountain Square (Praça do Chafariz). This is the boundary of the old town and modern town. Near this plaza, you’ll find lots of tour offices selling boat tours, trips to the waterfalls, and trips to Trindade.

Praça do Chafariz in Paraty, Brazil
Fountain Square

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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