Joao Pessoa Tourist Attractions

On Praça São Francisco, to the north of the city center, is the church of São Francisco.

Santo AntìnioOn Praça São Francisco, to the north of the city center, is the friary of Santo Antìnio, the finest example of Franciscan architecture in Brazil.The friary was designed in 1590 by the Franciscan architect Francisco dos Santos, but building began only in 1701 with the construction of the Capela da Ordem Terceira (Chapel of the Third Order). The cloister was completed about 1730.MonasteryThe art historian German Bazin described the façade of Santo Antìnio as "one of the most magnificent architectural compositions in the whole of Latin America". The monumental forecourt is bounded on either side by walls richly decorated with azulejos and sculpture. The fine cross in front of the entrance is characteristic of Franciscan churches. The luxuriant carving on the pulpit is thought to show Indian influence. The roof of the nave has trompe-l'oeil paintings.

Capela DouradaThe Chapel of the Third Order, covered with gilded carving and paintings, is known as the Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel). On the columns of the high altar are sirens and other mythological figures. The side altars are no less richly decorated.

Museum of Sacred ArtWithin the conventual buildings is the Museum of Sacred Art of Paraíba.

CathedralTo the west of the Franciscan house, on Avenida General Osório, is the Cathedral (1586).

N.S. do CarmoOn Praça D. Adauto are the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo and the 16th century Bishop's Palace. In the nave of the church are Baroque stone altars.Nearby is an 18th century house decorated with azulejo panels.

Jesuit College and ConventFrom Praça São Francisco Rua Duque de Caxias runs south past the Misericódia church (1612) to Praça João Pessoa, in which is another large religious complex, the Jesuit College (1586) and the Jesuit house associated with it. The College is now occupied by the Law Faculty of the University; the conventual buildings, now known as the Palácio da Redenção, house the state government.

Casa da PólvoraThe stone-built Casa da Pólvora (1710), on Largo de São Francisco, to the north of the Cathedral, is now occupied by the Museu Walfredo Rodrigues, with photographic material on the history of João Pessoa.

Parque Sólon de LucenaNorth-east of Praça João Pessoa is the spacious Parque Sólon de Lucena, with a lake and magnificent royal palms.

Bica ParkIn Rua Gouveia Nóbrega, is the Parque Arruda Câmera, also known as Bica Park, with an 18th century fountain.

Cultural CenterOn Avenida Presidente Kennedy (Tambauzinho district) is a house once occupied by the writer José Lins do Rego (1901-57), now a Cultural Center, with a library, a conference hall, a theatre, a cinema, an art gallery and a planetarium.

There are a number of towns and attractions in the area surrounding João Pessoa.