Alcantara, Brazil Attractions
Alcântara
The little town of Alcântara, across São Marcos Bay on the mainland, has been declared a national cultural monument. It is 22km/13.6mi from São Luís, from which it can be reached by ferry (80 minutes), air taxi (10 minutes) or bus (53km/33mi).
The little town of Alcântara, across São Marcos Bay on the mainland, has been declared a national cultural monument. It is 22km/13.6mi from São Luís, from which it can be reached by ferry (80 minutes), air taxi (10 minutes) or bus (53km/33mi).
Casa de Câmara e Cadeia
Casa de Câmara e Cadeia
On Praça Gomes de Castro is the Prefecture, in the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Town Hall and Gaol).
On Praça Gomes de Castro is the Prefecture, in the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Town Hall and Gaol).
Museum
Museum
On Praça Gomes de Castro is the Alcântara Museum, which has an interesting collection of sacred art and furnishings of the 18th and 19th centuries.
On Praça Gomes de Castro is the Alcântara Museum, which has an interesting collection of sacred art and furnishings of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Capela do Desterro
Capela do Desterro
The 18th century Capela do Desterro in Rua Pequena now contains the sacred images and altars from the church of São Matias.
The 18th century Capela do Desterro in Rua Pequena now contains the sacred images and altars from the church of São Matias.
Colonial Buildings
Colonial buildings
Characteristic features of Alcântara are its churches and its azulejo-clad houses, bearing witness to a time when the town was a favorite retreat of the landed aristocracy of Maranhão. Many buildings, unfortunately, have survived only as ruins or as façades with nothing behind them.
Characteristic features of Alcântara are its churches and its azulejo-clad houses, bearing witness to a time when the town was a favorite retreat of the landed aristocracy of Maranhão. Many buildings, unfortunately, have survived only as ruins or as façades with nothing behind them.
Forts
Forts
Two forts which can be visited are Forte Miritituia (1747) and the remains of Forte São Sebastião (1663).
Two forts which can be visited are Forte Miritituia (1747) and the remains of Forte São Sebastião (1663).
Nossa Senhora do Carmo
N.S. do Carmo
The church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (1663), in Rua Grande, has a beautiful Baroque altar. In the same street is the Folk Museum (Museu do Folclore), with the sacred images and flags of the traditional Festa do Divino (Feast of the Holy Ghost).
The church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (1663), in Rua Grande, has a beautiful Baroque altar. In the same street is the Folk Museum (Museu do Folclore), with the sacred images and flags of the traditional Festa do Divino (Feast of the Holy Ghost).
São Matias
São Matias
Most of the town's old buildings are in Praça Gomes de Castro and Rua Grande. In the square are the ruins of the principal church, São Matias (1648), and the pelourinho (pillory).
Most of the town's old buildings are in Praça Gomes de Castro and Rua Grande. In the square are the ruins of the principal church, São Matias (1648), and the pelourinho (pillory).
