Monuments
In addition to beautiful beaches, wonderful nature and party life Morro de São Paulo also has a rich history which left some interesting artifacts to be discovered. Today these monuments make nice images for post cards.
Without a doubt these monuments deserve a visit not only because they let you feel the regions history alive and real but also because they make up fantastic motives for beautiful pictures along with the nature surrounding them.
- The Lighthouse
For everyone arriving in Morro by boat the lighthouse (farol) is instantly visible. It was built in 1855 and can be reached through a small trail which starts in front of the church Nossa Senhora da Luz.
Some parts of this trail may be a little steep but it is a wonderful walk. From the hill on which the lighthouse is situated you will have a wonderful panoramic view ober major parts of the island and several beaches. The walk up is definitely worth it since you will be rewared with views that resemble typical post card pictures.
- The Gate
The gate at the port which used to the main main entrance to the fortress is now the 'main entrance' for everyone coming to the island by boat. The 'portalo' how it is called on the island welcomes all passengers desembarking from the boats and walking through it.
- The Fortress
After the Dutch invasion of Bahia the construction of the fortress of Tapirandu was started in 1630 to protect the region from further attacks.
- Considered one of the best defense systems in Brazil at the time the fortress in the colonial time used to have a wall with a total length of over 1000 meters with 183 troops and equiped with 51 pieces of artillery.
Today the fortress of Morro de São Paulo is one one the favourite spots for obversing the breathtaking sunset of the island. Often it is also possible to observe dolphins close to the shore.
Getting to the fortress is easy: it is just a 10 minute walk along the coast starting right at the gate. It is the perfect thing to do for a sunny late afternoon. Just beware you return before is it completely dark - the trail is not illuminated.
- The Church Nossa Senhora da Luz
- According to historic records in the 17th century there already was a chapel named after Nossa Senhora da Luz (which is the patron saint of the island and which has a holiday celebrated on September 8th). At that time the church was smaller and located where today is the lighthouse.
The construction of the current church Nossa Senhora da Luz which is now located on top of the slope that leads to the port is dated in the middle of the 19th century. Today its stairs offer some rest to people who just climed the steep road from the port and to people who like to observe the street life from there.
- Casarão (The big house)
This pink building in colonial style is located at the main square of the town (Praça Aureliano Lima) and was built in 1608 and already hosted personalities such as D. Pedro II and Marquesa de Santos when they visited the island in 1859. Today the house is a hostel and a restaurant.
- The Fountain
- Another important construction of the colonial period is the great fountain. Built in 1746 the fountain was used as a supply of portable water for soldiers at the fortress. The way the water is brought up and decanted is considered one of the most advanced systems of water treatments of the colonial time.
The visit of the emperor Pedro II and Marquesa de Santos (margrave) contributed to the fame of the great fountain. People say that the emperor took a bath in the water together with her.
