Monuments and Points of Interest

Morro de São Paulo Fortress

It is located at the northwestern part of Tinharé Island, strictly speaking, it is not a single fortification, but a set of unit of defence and fortress. The Fort of Tapirandu, or the Fortress of Morro de São Paulo, is considered one of the largest defensive groups in Brazil. The Morro de São Paulo Fortress still retains 678 meters of its curtain of defence with great walls and ruins, now protected by the National Historic Patrimony.


The construction of the Fortress began in 1630 under the orders, at that time, of the Governor General Diogo Luix de Oliveira, to protect the entrance from enemy squadrons in the so-called "false barrier of Bahia de Todos os Santos", a strategic entrance to the Itaparica Canal to the Fort of Santo Antonio (current Farol da Barra) - and also to protect the Tinharé Canal, essential in the production of the main centers of the colony (Boipeba, Cairu, Camamu and Itacaré) to supply the capital Salvador.

In 1728 Dom Vasco Fernandes César de Menezes, the 1st Count of Sabugosa, began the expansion activities of Forte Velho (Ancient Fort). The construction was completed in 1730, adding the Fort of Ponta and the curtain of great walls to the defensive groups. The Lusitanian victory over the fleet of French Admiral de Villegaignon was one of the most striking episodes of the Fortress and Colonial History of Brazil.

Obviously, more pleasing than battle stories, the Fort is magical in the late afternoon. The ancient ruins are no longer remembered with the explosions, but with the dolphins in the silhouette of each dive, recorded against the light of the sunset. The immensity of the sea gradually merges with the colors of the night, which arises already too starry. And always calm waters rhythms a lazy melody over the salt breeze blowing in the bloozy palm fronds.

Church of Our Lady of Light

It is said that when the Dutch Admiral Peter Pieterzoon Hiyn attempted to plunder the island in 1628, the invasion was not consummated due to the “ sight “ of numerous troops on the island, a miracle of the Holy Patron, Our Lady of Light, of Morro de São Paulo, celebrated on September 8th. The first historical records mark the existence of a chapel with same name already in the beginning of the 17th century, and on a map of 1759, João de Abreu and Carvalho locates it approximately where today the Lighthouse is located.

The Church of Nossa Senhora Da Luz was completed in 1845 according to date on the frontispiece, and houses relics of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the sacred imangens and baroque cedar altars. In addition to the masses and religious celebrations that take place for the village, the church staircase is a rest for those who face the climbing arriving from the pier and also for those who rest and watch the movement of the Aureliano de Lima Square, starting point for the other little roads and village squares.


The Great Fountain

Fonte Grande is the largest water supply system in Bahia during the colonial epochal, a notable example of the constructive technology of the period. Built in 1746, it provides the water collection and water decantation, both the volume coming from the soil water table and the existing little river. The visit of Dom Pedro II and the Marquise de Santos made the fame of the Great Fountain, yielding material for rich filmography on the period of Brazilian history.

The old village has grown and surrounded Fonte Grande, now not so big, in front of the surrounding large range of hotels, hostels and restaurants, but you can still hear the running of the waters on the way to the beaches on the other side of the island.

The Lighthouse

The Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse was built in 1855 according to the design and supervision of Engineer Carson, from the fabric factory of Valença. The building of the old factory still exists, and being the first factory built in Brazil, is another example of the importance of the region during the period of colonialism. The most important historical record comes from the daily notes of Dom Pedro II, which describes the Lighthouse during the visit of the royal family to the island in 1859.

The viewpoint existence near the Lighthouse is part of the defensive construction groups of the Island. Although hidden in the midst of tropical vegetation, it offers a panoramic view of the beaches and it is a tourist destination for this amazing view, one of the best places to see the curves and tides of the island.

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Accommodation

Our site is part of the daily life of thousands of people who access the internet searching for information about Morro de São Paulo and our main difference is to offer the best lodging options for you. From the simplest pousadas to the most prestigious hotels and resorts on the Island you can easily find here. You can filter your search by location, by amenities and by prices. It has for all tastes and pockets.

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HOW TO GET THERE

Find here the transportation options to get to Morro de São Paulo. The best transportation for you, your family or groups of friends you will find in our site. Options by Catamarã, by semi-terrestrial, by air or by boat. Check also the boat schedules.

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Where To Eat

Discover all flavors of Bahia and the world in one of the best known cosmopolitan place. Morro de São Paulo offers a lot of regional and international food. You can also enjoy the most incredible ‘caipirinhas’, mixed with tropical fruits, you have ever tasted and many delicious Bahian delicacies.

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Holidays Rental

Do you prefer visit Morro de São Paulo and feeling as you were at home? Discover our incredible houses and apartments for rent by season. Enjoy the weekends or the holidays and come with family and friends.

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Tourism Agencies

Schedule your trip with someone who knows the destination very well. The local travel agencies offer all the expertise to make your holidays go the way you want it to be.

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Tours And Entertainments

Discover the incredible beauties of Morro de São Paulo and its surroundings with the tours offered by travel agencies. Tours of the Tinharé Archipelago Islands, Garapuá Beach Tour, Gamboa Beach Tour, Whale Watching and much more. Visit the historical points and monuments, enjoy the sunset in the most pleasant places of the island and be enchanted with the landscapes.

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Shopping

You will fall in love with so much of cool things that you find going for shopping in Morro de São Paulo. Clothing and beach wear, decoration, souvenirs of Bahia, craft fair, silver and jewelry and lots of cool souvenirs to buy. Prepare your credit card.. you will not regret!

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Services

Check up our list of services in Morro de São Paulo. You find everything you need! For instance, a dentist for that unexpected toothache during your trip, or brokers for you to buy the house of dreams, or photographers for that unique photos session. Added to list contact of the nightclubs too! And many other informations!!

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