- Type
- History and culture
- Area
- Surroundings and Discovery Coast
- Depends on the tide
- No
The Historic Center (Cidade Histórica) sits at the top of Porto Seguro, facing the sea. It is where the town’s history is most visible: colorful colonial houses, the Discovery Landmark (Marco do Descobrimento) and the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena. According to Wikipedia, almost the entire historic center has been protected as a national monument since 1973.
A little history
Porto Seguro is linked to the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral’s fleet on this stretch of coast in April 1500. Wikipedia records the founding of the settlement in 1535, which makes Porto Seguro one of the oldest municipalities in the country. The Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena is recorded as dating back to 1535, and the 18th-century former Town Council building houses the town museum.
What to see
- Discovery Landmark: a stone marker commemorating the arrival of the Portuguese.
- Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena: one of the oldest churches in the region.
- Colonial houses: colorful houses around lawns, in a layout reminiscent of Trancoso’s Quadrado.
- Viewpoint: views of the sea, the mouth of the Buranhém River and the lower town.
How to get there from Trancoso
The most common route is by road to Arraial d’Ajuda and, from there, on the Buranhém River ferry. You can also go around overland. Both routes are explained in Porto Seguro ferry and in the day trip to Arraial d’Ajuda and Porto Seguro.
Visiting tips
Wear comfortable shoes and avoid the strong midday sun. Church and museum hours change; check with Porto Seguro City Hall. To learn about Pataxó culture, the Jaqueira Reserve is in the same area.
Practical tips
- Go up in the late afternoon: the view of the sea and the lower town is at its most beautiful.
- Church and museum hours change: check on site or with City Hall.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the ground is stone and grass.
- Combine it with the ferry and Arraial d'Ajuda on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Porto Seguro's Historic Center?
It is the town's old core, on the hilltop, with colonial houses, the Discovery Landmark and the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena. According to Wikipedia, the historic center has been protected as a national monument since 1973.
When was Porto Seguro founded?
Wikipedia records the founding of the settlement in 1535, which places it among the oldest municipalities in Brazil.
How do I get from Trancoso to the Historic Center?
By road to Arraial d'Ajuda and, from there, on the Buranhém River ferry to Porto Seguro; or around overland. Check times and conditions before setting off.
Do I have to pay to visit?
Walking around the historic core is free. The museum and churches may have their own rules and hours: check on site.
Combine with
-
Surroundings and Discovery Coast Arraial d'Ajuda The neighboring district to the north: a village center with the Nossa Senhora d'Ajuda Church, Rua do Mucugê and beaches such as Mucugê, Parracho, Pitinga and Taípe. See details -
Surroundings and Discovery Coast Jaqueira Pataxó Reserve An ethno-tourism project of the Pataxó people in a forest area near Porto Seguro, founded in 1998 by women of the community. See details -
Tide-dependent Surroundings and Discovery Coast Recife de Fora Marine Park Offshore reefs off Porto Seguro, visited by boat at low tide to float and watch fish, with protection rules. See details