Paranagua Attractions
Paranaguá
characteristics
Paranaguá, 90km/56mi east of Curitiba in Paranaguá Bay, is the oldest town in Paraná state, founded in 1648.
History
Gold was discovered in the Paranaguá area in 1646, and two years later the settlement was granted the status of a vila. In subsequent decades the town prospered, thanks to its strategic situation as the only gateway to the Paraná plateau. In the 18th century its political and economic importance declined because it lay off the routes on which cattle from the Gaúcho region and Santa Catarina were driven to the great trading center of Sorocaba and from there into Minas Gerais; but in spite of this its population in 1853 was almost as large as that of Curitiba.
characteristics
Paranaguá, 90km/56mi east of Curitiba in Paranaguá Bay, is the oldest town in Paraná state, founded in 1648.
History
Gold was discovered in the Paranaguá area in 1646, and two years later the settlement was granted the status of a vila. In subsequent decades the town prospered, thanks to its strategic situation as the only gateway to the Paraná plateau. In the 18th century its political and economic importance declined because it lay off the routes on which cattle from the Gaúcho region and Santa Catarina were driven to the great trading center of Sorocaba and from there into Minas Gerais; but in spite of this its population in 1853 was almost as large as that of Curitiba.
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Colonial Buildings
Two of Paranaguá most impressive colonial buildings are the 18th C Casa do Monsenhor Celso and the Palácio do Visconde de Nácar.
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Jesuit College
The 18th C Paranaguá Jesuit College is a fine example of colonial religious architecture. Of note are the escape tunnels that stretch for 3 km.
Fonte Velha
Fonte Velha
One of the oldest monuments in Paranaguá, dating from 1656, is the Fonte Velha de Beber Agua, also known as the Bica dos Padres, a fountain in Rua da Praia, which runs along the beach.
One of the oldest monuments in Paranaguá, dating from 1656, is the Fonte Velha de Beber Agua, also known as the Bica dos Padres, a fountain in Rua da Praia, which runs along the beach.
Paranagua Surroundings
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Ilha do Mel
Ilha do Mel, literally meaning Honey Island, is a picturesque nature reserve. The Island is home to a fort, a lighthouse and an enchanted cave.
Guaratuba, Brazil
Guaratuba
The coastal town of Guaratuba is 54km/34mi south of Paranaguá and 10km/6mi from Matinhos (ferry over Guaratuba Bay). Its principal sights are the church of Nossa Senhora do Bonsucesso (1771) and the graceful Igreja Matriz de São Luís, which also dates from the second half of the 18th century.
The coastal town of Guaratuba is 54km/34mi south of Paranaguá and 10km/6mi from Matinhos (ferry over Guaratuba Bay). Its principal sights are the church of Nossa Senhora do Bonsucesso (1771) and the graceful Igreja Matriz de São Luís, which also dates from the second half of the 18th century.
Ilha das Peças
Ilha das Peças
North of the Ilha do Mel is the Ilha das Peças, which lies within the Superagui National Park (area 21,000 hectares/52,500 acres; established 1989) at the north end of the bay. The park can be reached by boat, or alternatively (from either Paranaguá or Antonina) by taking the road round the bay and then making for Guaraqueçaba, a fishing village near the boundary with São Paulo state.
North of the Ilha do Mel is the Ilha das Peças, which lies within the Superagui National Park (area 21,000 hectares/52,500 acres; established 1989) at the north end of the bay. The park can be reached by boat, or alternatively (from either Paranaguá or Antonina) by taking the road round the bay and then making for Guaraqueçaba, a fishing village near the boundary with São Paulo state.
Praia do Leste
Praia do Leste
To the south of Paranaguá are a series of beaches extending down to the open sea. The most popular is the Praia do Leste (29km/18mi). Beyond
this are the bathing resorts of Matinhos (54km/34mi) and Caiobá (58km/36mi).
To the south of Paranaguá are a series of beaches extending down to the open sea. The most popular is the Praia do Leste (29km/18mi). Beyond
this are the bathing resorts of Matinhos (54km/34mi) and Caiobá (58km/36mi).
Sambaqui
Sambaqui
On the road to Barra do Saí, a township 18km/11mi south of Guaratuba, is a 6000 year old sambaqui (shell-mound), dating from the time when Carijó Indians still occupied this region.
On the road to Barra do Saí, a township 18km/11mi south of Guaratuba, is a 6000 year old sambaqui (shell-mound), dating from the time when Carijó Indians still occupied this region.
