The church was originally built by the 'Pardos' (people of mixed African and European descent) through the Brotherhood of Santa Rita.
The structure features a distinct bell gable or 'frontispício' common in colonial Portuguese-influenced architecture.
The museum collection was established to prevent the loss and illegal trade of regional religious heritage objects.
It is situated on the edge of the waterfront, historically acting as a visual greeting point for ships entering the harbor.
The building was renovated in the 1980s specifically to function as a museum while maintaining its status as a chapel.
The Museum of Sacred Art of Paraty is housed within the historic Church of Santa Rita, which dates back to 1722. It serves as the oldest church in the town of Paraty and acts as a landmark of the colonial architectural period in Brazil. The museum collection focuses on religious items from the 18th and 19th centuries, including wooden sculptures, liturgical objects, and paintings. The building features traditional white-washed masonry typical of the coastal region. It is integrated into the preservation efforts of the Paraty Historical Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site functions as both a religious monument and an exhibition space for artifacts reclaimed from regional ecclesiastical history.
From the waterfront promenade looking back toward the church facade to capture the reflection of the building against the bay.
Look for the detailed wood carvings on the altars, which illustrate the evolution of Baroque art in the region.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the nearby historic streets to see the preserved cobblestone patterns.
Check the exterior courtyard during the golden hour for the best lighting against the white colonial facade.
Do not mistake it for the other churches in town; verify it is the Santa Rita building located directly on the waterfront.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet tone appropriate for a religious site and remove hats while inside the nave.
