Antiga Cadeia (Old Jail)
Imagine stepping back in time as you explore the Antiga Cadeia, Paraty's Old Jail, nestled next to the Igreja de Santa Rita. This 18th-century colonial building, with its thick walls and barred windows, once served as barracks for soldiers and later as the town's public jail. Today, it's a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts, housing the Instituto Histórico e Artístico de Paraty (IHAP), which showcases the town's heritage through exhibitions and events. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, a visit to the Antiga Cadeia offers a unique glimpse into Paraty's past and its evolving role in the community.
Right next to the Igreja de Santa Rita, facing the bay, stands a low, sober colonial building with iron bars on its windows. This is Paraty's Old Jail, the Antiga Cadeia. Look closely at the barred windows and you can see just how thick the colonial walls are. The 18th-century building started life as barracks for the troops guarding the Patitiba fort, one of the small forts that defended Paraty's harbour. A few years later it became the town's public jail and kept that role until 1980. Today it's home to IHAP, the Instituto Histórico e Artístico de Paraty, a local institute dedicated to the town's history and heritage. It often hosts exhibitions and events. Even when it's closed, it's worth a quick stop on the way to Santa Rita and the waterfront.
History
The building was put up in the 18th century to house the soldiers guarding a fortification at the mouth of the Patitiba river, in what is now Largo de Santa Rita. It was known as the Quartel da Patitiba (Patitiba Barracks). Within a few years it was turned into the town's public jail. Because crime in Paraty was low, this small building with its barred doors and windows was enough to serve as the town's lock-up for more than a century, until the city closed it in 1980.
From 1981 it was restored by the State of Rio de Janeiro together with the state tourism company, and it housed the municipal culture and tourism department for years. In 1997 the city granted the building to IHAP, the Instituto Histórico e Artístico de Paraty, which had been founded in 1976 by academics and researchers. The same year it also took in the municipal library, which has since moved to Rua do Comércio.
Fun Facts
- Paraty's crime rate was so low that this tiny jail was enough for the whole town for more than a century.
- Before it was a jail, it was barracks for the soldiers of the Patitiba fort, one of the fortifications that defended Paraty's harbour.
- After the jail closed in 1980, it housed the town's culture and tourism department, a sign of how important tourism had become to Paraty.
Opening Hours
Exterior viewable anytime. The interior opens for IHAP exhibitions and events.