Alcântara Mansions
Pelourinho and São Matias Matrix Church
Divino's House |
Alcântara is a historic city, located 53km away from São Luís. Founded in the
first half of the 17th century, it was inhabited by aristocrats and sugar Mill lords, who were the responsibles to the construction
of imposing buildings, nowadays protected by Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional due to the inestimable value they have.
The development of Alcântara in the course of time was caused by the trade of
agropecuary goods. The economic prosperity lasted until the abolishment of slavery, when most of the farm owners bankrupted. The city then
entered in a vertiginous process of decadence, which also led to the abandon and subsequent degradation of the real properties. Only a few
buildings remains preserved and are important samples of the colonial architecture. Other constructions, from churches to small palaces, became
ruins with the action of time and sackers.
Among the main attractions of the city are the ruins of the palaces of Barão de
Pindaré and Barão de Mearim. Casa do Divino is a story house built in colonial style, covered with glazed tiles, in which Works a museum with
permanent exhibit of objects related to festa do Divino. Museu Histórico de Alcântara (Alcântara’s Historic Museum) is installed in a house of
the 19th century, which keeps the facade well-preserved. There are exhibits of ceramics and old furniture.
There are many churches in the city. One of the most important is Nossa Senhora do
Carmo, from 1690, where there are hand painted glazed tile panels, besides a beautiful altar, carved in rococo style. Igreja Matriz de São Matias,
dated from 1648, was built in homage to São Bartolomeu. In the beginning of the 20th century it was in ruins and the few remaining walls
preserve the original characteristics.
Tourists who visit Alcântara cannot miss Praia da Baronesa, which has bars and
hotels. Those who can afford renting a boat, can’t miss the opportunity of knowing Ilha do Cajual and Ilha do Livramento, also highly frequented
by tourists. In the city occurs Festa do Divino Espírito Santo de Alcântara, where habits and way of life during the empire epoch are remembered.
The commemoration is done since more than three years and mobilizes all the residents of the city. Actually, Alcântara has around 20000
inhabitants, descendants of slaves and agricultors.
Besides the historic value, Alcântara is also remembered by Centro de Lançamento
de Alcântara (Alcântara Launching Center), which launch rockets and satellites. The place has been chosen as launch site due to the good climate
conditions and for being next to the equator line. |
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