Sao Luiz Destination Guide

The lure of the Amazon is strong, but visitors would do well to just pause and take in Sao Luiz. Sao Luiz is not only the bustling main sea port for Maranhão and Piauí, but also an enchanting destination.

The small fishing villages that pepper the beaches of Northern Brazil between Sao Luiz and Fortalesa retain a traditional Brazilian lifestyle.

Take a look through our Sao Luiz Destination Guide below to find out the many exciting highlights in Sao Luiz. Our Sao Luiz tours page provides more suggestions, whilst our Brazil country guide provides useful information for your Brazil holiday.

Things to See & Do in Sao Luiz

Sao Luiz shows French, Portuguese and Dutch influences. The French came first, founding Sao Luiz in 1612. A brief Dutch interlude and then it was the Portuguese who claimed it for their own. Dated from the 17th to the 18th centuries, the architecturally grand Centro Historico (Historical Centre) is the centrepiece of Sao Luiz. Spread out in a stretch of 3,500 colonial buildings from Praia Grande to the neighbouring areas of Desterro and Portinho, the refurbished centre is a cultural showpiece. The buildings of the Centro Historico house luxurious Sao Luiz hotels, inns and bars in a grand colonial style setting. The 1990s saw the government and private initiative set off a restoration drive. A walk on the cobbled streets among old Portuguese manor houses transports tourists back in time to when the nobility reigned supreme. And if you want to touch base with more present day delights, comforting hotels, inns, restaurants and movie theatres are all just around the corner.

When you walk along the cobbled pathways and take in a breath of old world air, thank the economic recession of the 20th century. Old buildings were left untouched as there was no money to spend on them! The blend of three European cultures has added to the richness of this 17th century town. Even three centuries of change hasn't demolished the rectangular street layout, an ancient Iberian trend. This uniqueness has put it on the list of UN World Heritage Sites.

Perhaps Sao Luis as a beach destination is not frequented as much as the more well-known Ubatuba. The tidal fluctuations limit the number of footfalls. With high tide, the sandy beaches almost disappear. Some of the more visited beaches in Sao Luiz are the ones like Ponta d'Areia. When you are there, go a little further, up to 2 km to find the prettier locales. São Marcos merges into the beach of Calhau. The combined stretch of 5 km is dotted with simple bars and restaurants along the broad pavement and makes a perfect setting to take in the evening air and enjoy a walk with your loved ones.

Reminiscent of a carnival, this annual event brings the entire city to the streets. It probably has Iberian roots but has been further enriched by the African people and their joyous culture. The entire festival revolves around folklore narrated through music, theatre and dance. The festivities take place in the historical centre and it is a spectacle for the entire city.

History is hardly without its unsavoury moments. This museum serves as a grim reminder of an age steeped in enslavement and repression. Beyond the facade of the beautiful colonial architecture, a large internal courtyard with masonry imported from Portugal, is this site - an erstwhile jail and slave market. Now a museum of culture, it exhibits numerous Afro-Brazilian artefacts donated by various centres committed to African culture. On entry the first sight is usually a replica of a pillory that used to be the crude attraction in Largo do Carmo. Torture chairs used on hapless victims, millstones used by inmates or illustrations of the Debret slave market may not make for a pleasant view but they are an eye opener for anyone looking at the varied but brutal history of Brazil.

With a dramatic view across the docks and its colonial architecture, the Convent of Mercy is a beautiful monument. Since its founding in 1654, the convent has gone through many changes; it served as an ad hoc Army headquarters and as a station for the fire brigade. But thankfully, it has retained its form and was given the final makeover to its pristine glory in 1987. Today, the convent is a ‘pilgrimage' into the history of Brazilian culture. The Fundação da Memória Republicana houses memorabilia of former Brazilian President José Sarney's days in power. The famed priest Padre Antônio Vieira's (1608-1697) rare works also find a prominent place in the library. The doors of the convent welcome the visitor from Tuesday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and entry into this portal of knowledge is free.  

The Igreja da Sé was built to honour Nossa Senha da Vitória, the patron saint of São Luíz. Built in 1636, the church comes with nearly 400 years of history. Legend says that in the battle between France and Portugal over Sao Luiz, the Portuguese ran out of ammo. With defeat staring them in the face, the Portuguese witnessed a miracle in the form of a beautiful lady who turned sand into gunpowder. The Portuguese won the battle and the legend of Igreja da Sé was born. The church is a masterpiece of art deco, with an altar of gold and a ceiling crafted by João de Deus in 1927.

The French founded the Fort St. Louis in 1612 , in honor of King Louis XIII. The building is constructed in a neoclassical style, and is the most imposing of the city. The lions carved in bronze give name to the oldest palace in the region. Reforms marked the evolution and construction of the building. The old refuge from the French is now the headquarters of the State of Maranhão and keeps a valuable exhibition of works of art. It is open to visitors on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 14:00 to 17:30.

The Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal) dates back to 1903. Built along the lines of Art Nouveau and Italian Renaissance by the architect Ramos de Azevedo, it was completed in 1911. The Paris Opera is said to be the inspiration behind the design. Fully restored in 1991, it has become a landmark.

Another 19th century mansion and another restored centre for historical elegance. The museum is a stylistic rendition of a rich man's residence. From the furniture to old coins and photos, many elements of history can be observed here.

Is there anything more visually soothing than the handiwork of master artists? The collection is as varied as it is beautiful- from 300-year-old tiles brought from France, Germany and Portugal to the exquisite works of art you get to see on the second floor. Alfredo Volpi, Tarsila do Amaral and Picasso occupy pride of place. Arthur Arthur Azevedo's famed engravings are also on exhibit. From the Biblical to the classical and a lot of modern art thrown in, art lovers would be spoilt for choice. There is only one thing which comes close to the art inside - the architecture of the mansion. It is a three storied 19th century visual treat.

How do you protect a way of living? The Brazilians have done it admirably by dedicating nearly 128,000 sq.yd of the town as a national monument. The Old Town takes us into life as it was in the last few centuries. The romance of history is kept alive in the preserved houses with wrought-iron balustrades, roof terraces and galleries with venetian blinds.

As you experience the delights of the city it would seem that you are moving through history. The most Portuguese among Brazil's cities São Luis do Maranhão lays claim to beautiful crafts and tradition of folklore. And just beyond the capital city lies the architecture of Alcântara. When you are done with history and art, a tryst with nature's delights awaits you at the national parks of Lençóis Maranhenses and Delta do Parnaíba, the Chapada das Mesas and the river Tocantins.