Paraty is a remarkable town for the ambience that both the natural beauty and the colonial architecture create there. The homogeneity of its buildings makes for a very harmonious scenario which perfectly matches its location at the beautiful  coast of the Rio de Janeiro State. Paraty is part of the national cultural heritage.

Restaurants: Try seafood dishes prepared with the typical taste of the region at these restaurants.

Merlin, o Mago - Rua do Comércio 376 (Centro Histórico), Phone: 371-2157
do Hiltinho - Rua Mal. Deodoro 233 (Centro Histórico), Phone: 371-1432
Banana da Terra - R. Dr. Samuel Costa 198 (Centro Histórico), Phone: 371-1725

Attractions: Paraty is like a small museum within a tropical paradise. Its colonial buildings recall the time when it was a major gold shipping port in the XVI century. It is regarded by UNESCO as the most harmonious ensemble of colonial buildings in Brazil. Their rusticity, if compared to the colonial architecture of other towns in Brazil, perfectly matches its location on the beach and makes for a very charming and unique ambience.

Start your exploration of Paraty at the main pier at the bottom of Rua da Lapa. Fishing boats come and go, as well as frequent schooner excursions. Turn and face the city and you will see the postcard perfect vista of Pararty:

The Santa Rita church framed by a background of lush green hills. The church was built by freed slaves in 1722 and despite its plain exterior, displays some fine rococo artwork. The church also houses the small

Museum of Sacred Art (open Wed-Sun 10am-noon and 2-5pm; R$4/US$1.30). It's worth a quick peek, though it can't compare to some of the fine art on display in Ouro Prêto or Mariana. The building just to the left of the church was once the town jail; now it's home to the city library and historic institute. Paraty's biggest and most ornate church, the

Igreja da Matriz, stands on the Praça da Matriz, close to the River Perequê-Açu. What started with a small chapel in 1646 became a bigger church in 1712 and was finally replaced with the current large neo-classical building, completed in 1873.

The Casa da Cultura (Rua Dona Geralda) was originally built in 1754 as a private residence and warehouse. Later it housed the town's public school. In the 1990s it was restored by the city to serve as cultural center and exhibit space.

Some of the churches and civic building of Paraty are: