"Parati - Great Colonial Relic" Top 5 Page for this destination Parati by MikeAtSea

Parati is both a great colonial relic, well preserved and architecturally unique and is alongside the magnificent tropical Brazilian coastline. The buildings have simple lines with earthy colours and textures. The entire town is a beautiful work of art.
The town, which is situated a few kilometers off the Rio de Janeiro - Santos highway is situated in the Southwest corner of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
It is easy to be visited. Cobblestoned streets that are washed clean by rains and high tides.
Dozens of secluded beaches are within a couple of hours of Parati by car or board. There are good swimming beaches in close proximity to the town, however the best beaches are towards Sao Paulo and the bays of the near-by islands.

Parati streets

The originally inhabitants of Parati were the Guaiana Indians, they used to live in a region today known as Mangaratiba, Angara and Paraty.
In 1636 because of the increase of the population in the region a paratiana called Maria Jacome de Melo donated part of her land between the rivers Paratiguacu and Patitiba in order to build a new town. As return she demanded that a chapel would be build. In 1640 the old town centre became to take shape and real urbanization stated from 1726. According to military engineering patterns wide streets and low plants were the main feature of the town.
The town has been a National Historical Site since 1966 and is an amazing colonial architectural sight.
Once a busy port for gold transport, the red-tiled roofs, wrought-iron balconies, arched windows and brightly coloured doorframes of Parati (pronounced Pa-ra-CHEE) have not changed much since the 1700’s. Automobile traffic is prohibited and high heels should be avoided on the cobblestone streets, which were purposely built at sea level to be flooded and cleansed by high tide.
Churches abound — Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito was designed for African slaves, Capela de Santa Rita for freemen, and Capela de Nossa Señora das Dores a favourite of rich society women. The largest, Igreja Matriz Nossa Senora do Rosário, sank a tad (two steps down from street level). For typical Parati architecture, visit Sobrado dos Abacaxis or Sobrado do Príncipe. Enjoy a great town view from the old hilltop fort. Tour the Bay of Parati for a look at local beaches and even the tiniest of 65 islands.