Igreja de Santa Rita / Museu de Arte Sacra
Imagine standing on the waterfront of Paraty, gazing back at the iconic Santa Rita Church, its white walls and bell tower framed by lush green hills. This historic landmark, the oldest religious building in Paraty, began its journey in 1722, crafted by freed men of mixed African and European descent. As you step inside, you're welcomed by the Museu de Arte Sacra de Paraty, a treasure trove of religious art from the 17th to the early 20th century. Whether you're captivated by the intricate silverwork or the carved wooden doors, each piece tells a story of Paraty's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the chance to explore the sacristy and consistory, where some of the museum's finest pieces are displayed.
With its white walls, bell tower, and the green hills behind it, Santa Rita is the church on every Paraty postcard. Built from 1722 by freed men of mixed African and European descent, it is the oldest religious building in town, standing just a few steps from the old port and facing the sea. Inside, the church houses the Museu de Arte Sacra de Paraty, run by Brazil's national museums institute (Ibram). The collection brings together clay, wood, and metal religious pieces from the 17th to the early 20th century, gathered from the churches of the historic centre and from rural and coastal chapels. A protected room holds the silverwork used in religious services and festivals. The church still serves its religious role, so the main altar and side altarpieces remain in place. Look for the carved wooden tribunes, the altar's spiral columns, and the carved wooden doors. Entry is free, and a visit takes about half an hour.
History
Construction of Santa Rita began in 1722, led by the town's "homens pardos libertos" (freed men of mixed African and European descent) with help from white devotees. It belonged to the Brotherhood of the Glorious Santa Rita and also hosted the brotherhoods of Our Lady of Carmo and Our Lady of the Conception, whose images stand on the side altars. In colonial Paraty, as in much of Brazil, churches were tied to brotherhoods organised by social and racial group, which is why the town has separate churches for different communities.
The national heritage institute IPHAN listed the whole Santa Rita complex on 13 February 1962. Between 1967 and 1976 it was restored and adapted to house a museum. The Museu de Arte Sacra was created in 1973 and opened to the public in 1977. Most of its collection belongs to Paraty's religious brotherhoods.
Fun Facts
- It's considered the oldest religious building in Paraty, begun in 1722.
- The classic Paraty postcard view, with Santa Rita in front of green hills, is taken from the waterfront by the old port.
- Many of the museum's pieces still leave the building: they are returned to the brotherhoods and carried through the streets in festivals like Holy Week, the Festa do Divino, and Corpus Christi.
- The whole complex, including the consistory, sacristy, and old cemetery, has been a listed national heritage site since 1962.
Guide Tips
- For the postcard shot, walk to the waterfront by the old port and look back at the church with the green hills behind it.
- Don't stop at the nave: the sacristy and consistory are open to visitors again and hold some of the best pieces, including the silverwork room.
Opening Hours
Wed-Fri: 10:00 - 17:00, Sat-Sun & holidays: 10:00 - 14:00, Mon-Tue: Closed