Paraty history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Paraty began long before its official recognition. Initially, these picturesque coastal lands were inhabited by the indigenous Guaianás people, who gave the area its name, which translates as "river of fish". The first Portuguese settlers established themselves here at the end of the 16th century, clustering around the Chapel of Saint Roch. The settlement received official town status in 1667, separating administratively from neighbouring Angra dos Reis.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a modest settlement into one of Brazil's most important colonial centres was driven by a unique combination of geography and economics:

• Strategic Location: The town is situated deep within the protected Ilha Grande Bay, making it an ideal and safe harbour for ships.
• The Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro): In the late 17th century, following the discovery of rich deposits in the state of Minas Gerais, Paraty became the key port through which gold and precious stones were shipped to Portugal. This ensured the town's rapid economic ascent.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Beyond the transit of gold, the economy of early Paraty relied on agriculture. The favourable climate supported the cultivation of sugarcane. By the 18th century, numerous distilleries were operating in the region, producing cachaça (a sugarcane distillate). The product from this region was of such high quality that the word "Paraty" became a synonym for cachaça in colonial Brazil.

The wealth of the trading port was reflected in its appearance: it was during this period that the unique architectural ensemble of the historic centre was established, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful trim, which has remained perfectly preserved to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1597 — The first Portuguese colonists arrive in the region and establish a settlement on the banks of the Perequê-Açu River.
• 1667 — The settlement receives official town status (Vila) and administrative independence from neighbouring Angra dos Reis.
• Late 17th Century — Paraty becomes the terminus of the "Gold Trail", through which precious metals from Minas Gerais are shipped to Portugal.
• 1703 — To protect the strategically important port from pirates and privateers, the construction of a system of defensive forts begins.
• 1728 — The opening of the "New Path" (Caminho Novo), leading directly to Rio de Janeiro, causes a gradual decline in the gold trade through Paraty.
• Early 19th Century — The town experiences a second economic boom thanks to coffee cultivation and large-scale production of sugarcane distillate.
• 1822 — The local town council is one of the first to support Prince Pedro I in proclaiming Brazil's independence.
• 1888 — The abolition of slavery leads to a crisis in the region's agriculture and a massive outflow of the population.
• Late 19th Century — The construction of a railway between Rio and São Paulo bypassing the town leads to its complete isolation, which inadvertently saves the historical architecture.
• 1958 — The IPHAN institute recognises the architectural ensemble of the historic centre as a national heritage of Brazil.
• 1974 — The completion of the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101) brings the town out of isolation and opens it to tourism.
• 2003 — The first International Literary Festival (FLIP) is held, transforming the town into an important cultural hub.
• 2019 — UNESCO includes Paraty and Ilha Grande on the World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural site.

Stages of the City's Evolution

The development of Paraty was cyclical in nature: periods of incredible wealth were followed by decades of oblivion. It was this specific characteristic that allowed the town to preserve its unique appearance. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern look and status of the city:

• Formation of the "Gold Port" (17th–18th Centuries): The foundation of the urban plan was laid during this period. Thanks to colossal revenues from the gold transit, stone mansions, main churches, and the famous cobbled streets were built. A unique drainage system was designed at this time, allowing ocean tides to naturally cleanse the city streets.
• Coffee Renaissance and Distillate Production (19th Century): After losing the monopoly on gold exports, the town found a new economic pillar in coffee exports and the production of spirits. This allowed the architectural ensemble to be maintained in good condition and added Neoclassical elements to the appearance of merchant houses.
• Period of "Frozen Time" (Late 19th – Mid 20th Century): Economic collapse following the abolition of slavery and the lack of a railway connection led to the town's complete isolation. This event had decisive urban planning significance: the lack of funds for modernisation saved the historic centre from demolition and reconstruction, effectively preserving the town as it was in the 18th century.
• Granting of Protected Status (1958): Recognising the town as a national historical monument of Brazil legally cemented the ban on altering facades and the layout of the centre, paving the way for future tourism potential.
• Construction of the BR-101 Highway (1970s): The opening of the Rio-Santos road brought Paraty out of a century of isolation. This marked the beginning of a new economic era, transforming the town from a forgotten agrarian centre into a popular resort accessible to visitors from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
• Cultural Transformation and FLIP (from 2003): The launch of the International Literary Festival radically changed the city's image. Paraty began to position itself not only as a beach resort or an open-air museum but also as an intellectual capital of Latin America.
• UNESCO Status (2019): Inclusion in the World Heritage List as a mixed site (culture and biodiversity) finally secured the town's status as a world-class destination, where the preservation of colonial history is inextricably linked with nature conservation.

Urban Planning Uniqueness

The architectural ensemble of Paraty is one of the most complete and harmonious examples of Portuguese colonial style in the world. The town was built during the "Gold Trail" era with engineering foresight remarkable for that time. The historic centre is located almost at sea level, and its streets are designed with the tides in mind: during high water, the ocean enters the streets, washing over the cobblestones, and recedes with the tide, acting as a natural cleaning system. This is why the houses here stand on high foundations, and pedestrian pavements are noticeably raised above the roadway.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The appearance of the town we see today was formed primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is difficult to find "pure" European styles here; rather, it is their tropical adaptation, known as Luso-Brazilian colonial architecture.

• Colonial Style (17th–18th Centuries): The dominant style of the historic centre. It is characterised by massive walls made of stone and lime, whitewashed facades, and bright, colourful trim (traditionally blue, yellow, or green). Windows often feature lattice shutters known as *muxarabis* (derived from the Arabic *mashrabiya*), a heritage of the Moorish culture in Portugal.
• Baroque and Rococo (18th Century): Manifested mainly in religious structures. Unlike the lavish "golden baroque" in the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais, the coastal baroque of Paraty is more restrained on the outside but retains the characteristic curved lines of pediments and richly decorated altars inside.
• Neoclassicism (19th Century): During the "coffee era", Neoclassical influences penetrated the town. This was reflected in the strict symmetry of merchant mansion facades, the appearance of triangular pediments, and the use of more elegant wrought-iron grilles on balconies.

Iconic Structures

An interesting feature of Paraty is that churches here were built according to class distinctions — a specific temple was intended for each social group. These buildings became the architectural landmarks of the town:

• Church of Santa Rita (Igreja de Santa Rita, 1722): The most recognisable building in the town and a classic example of Jesuit Baroque. It was built by the brotherhood of freed mulattoes. The facade is distinguished by its elegance and harmonious proportions.
• Church of the Rosary (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, 1725): A temple erected by enslaved people of African descent for their own needs. The architecture of the building is simple and concise, reflecting the modest means of the community at that time.
• Matriz (Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios): The main cathedral, completed only in 1873. This is the largest building in the historic centre, combining a colonial foundation with clear Neoclassical elements in the design of the towers and facade.
• Fort Defensor Perpétuo (Forte Defensor Perpétuo, 1822): An example of military architecture from the early 19th century. Located on a hill, it has preserved its original walls and cannons, serving as a reminder of the times when the town needed protection from pirates and foreign fleets.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Paraty

The history and culture of Paraty are inextricably linked with the names of people who contributed to its foundation, fame, or the preservation of its unique heritage.

• Maria Jácome de Melo
  Role: Landowner, de facto founder of the town (17th Century).
  In the mid-17th century, she donated her lands, located between the Perequê-Açu and Patitiba rivers, for the construction of a new settlement. Her only condition was the erection of a chapel in honour of Our Lady, on the site of which the town's main cathedral — the Matriz — stands today. It is thanks to her gift that the historic centre is located in its current place.
• Julia da Silva Bruhns (Julia Mann)
  Role: Memoirist, muse (1851–1923).
  Born in the vicinity of Paraty to a German farmer and a Brazilian mother. She became the mother of the famous German writers Thomas and Heinrich Mann. Her memories of a tropical childhood in Brazil inspired Thomas Mann to create characters in the novel "Buddenbrooks", linking a small Brazilian town with world classic literature.
• Maria Graham
  Role: British writer and traveller (1785–1842).
  Visited Paraty in 1824 and left detailed illustrated diaries. Her records are an invaluable historical document, detailing the daily life, architecture, and social structure of the town during the era of the Brazilian Empire, when it flourished through trade.
• Dom João de Orleans e Bragança
  Role: Photographer, public figure (born 1954).
  Great-grandson of the last Princess of Brazil, Isabel, and descendant of Emperor Pedro II. A renowned photographer who chose Paraty as his home. He owns a hotel in a historic building and actively participates in the cultural life of the town, contributing to the preservation of its architectural and historical heritage.
• Amyr Klink
  Role: Navigator, writer, explorer (born 1955).
  A world-famous Brazilian traveller who has completed numerous solo voyages, including to Antarctica. Paraty has become an important base for him: his marina is located here, and the construction of unique expedition vessels is carried out, which supports the town's status as an important maritime centre.