Ministério do Turismo

Alcântara

Alcântara was one of the richest centers in the Northeast region during the Colonial Brazil and Imperial Brazil eras. Its constructions and monuments from that time, although ruins today, are still attractions visited by thousands of tourists every year. Its cultural and historical importance for the country helped it to be protected as a City-Monument in 1948.

In the 18th century, the first sugar cane mills were built there, which transformed the city into a productive pole for food, making way for an economic, political and intellectual elite. The construction of buildings and monuments that even today embellish the city, started in the 18th century.

Its main attractions can be visited on foot, calmly strolling over the stone sidewalks. By boat, and starting from São Luis, the attractions start at Alligator Port. Then, climbing up the street by the same name, you are led to the heart of the city. Here you find the square with the Mother Church ruins, as well as the old jail and the pillory (pelourinho). All this can be seen in one day.

At the same time it provides a meeting with the past, Alcântara has been home to a sample of modern air-space technology since the 80s. One of the most modern Latin American space bases is installed just 7 km (4.5 miles) from the city, where satellite launching projects are developed.

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Basic information
Climate
Tropical, hot and humid climate with an average annual temperature of 29°C (84ºF).
Events
Divine Festivities (May)
The Divine Festivities remember the Holy Spirit”s descent to the apostles. During the festivities, the elegance and richness lived by Alcântara during its economic peak is relived. The party is one of Maranhão”s most famous cultural and religious manifestations, with processions parading the streets and houses chanting religious hymns. During the festivities, liqueurs and sweets are served freely.


Saint Benedict Festival (August)
This festival is in honor of the saint that protects the slaves. It is a mix of religious Christianity and the African influence of Creole Women Drums, a fun dance whose objective it is to pay promises, with the participation of many women.
City facts
Alcântara
State: Maranhão
Region: Northeast
Population: 21,291 inhabitants
Area Code: (98)

Distances
São Luís: 53 km (33 miles)
Teresina: 627 km (390 miles)
Imperatriz: 694 km (431 miles)
Rio de Janeiro: 2852 km (1773 miles)
São Paulo: 3084 km (1917 miles)
Accommodation / Restaurants
Alcântara”s inns remind you of the colonial and imperial period. They are comfortable and offer many pricing options. The restaurants serve the best typical food from the area, with comfort and flavor. Baronesa Beach has many restaurants as well as inns, and it is the best place to stay in the city. Checkout the links below for some eating and lodging places in Alcântara:

www.ondehospedar.com.br/ma/alcantara.php
www.turismo.ma.gov.br/pt/polos/ sao_luis/restaurantes_alcantara.htm
How to get there
By Air: the airport closest to Alcântara with regular flights is the Marechal Cunha Machado, in São Luis, the capital of Maranhão. From the capital, it takes approximately one hour by ferryboat or boat.

By Highway:
Main access roads:
- Starting from Rio de Janeiro: BR-040 / BR-393 / BR-116 / BR-407 / BR-242 / BR-428 / BR-122 / BR-316 / BR-230 / BR-135 / BR-222.
- Starting from São Paulo: BR-364 / BR-153 / BR-080 / BR-226 / BR-316 / BR-222.
- Starting from Teresina (State of Piauí ): BR-316BR-135/BR-222.
- Starting from Imperatriz (State of Maranhão ): BR-010 / BR-316 / BR-222.
Services
Alcântara City Hall
Phone: +55 (82) 3218-8017

Tourism Information
Phone: +55 (98) 3337- 1140

Praia Grande Docks
Phone: +55 (98) 3222-6081


Bank Agencies
The city has all main national bank agencies. Most of the establishments accept credit cards.
Related links
www.alcantara-ma.hpg.ig.com.br
Attractions
Alcântara History and Art Museum
The museum collection illustrates the city”s opulence when it was inhabited by rich French and Portuguese barons.


Pillory (Pelourinho)
The place where criminals were exhibited and punished is one of Alcântara main attractions. The pillory, decorated with the empire”s weapons, is today the most well-preserved in the country.


Chamber House and Jail
Building from the end of the 18th century that used to be a jail. Today it is home to the City Hall.

Mother Church Square
This is a square plaza enclosed by big houses, where the pillory and the Saint Mathis Church ruins are located. Its trees are centenary.

Emperor”s House
This construction is unfinished. The building was supposed to lodge the emperor, D. Pedro II, during a visit that never took place to Alcântara.

Carmo Convent and Church
In a baroque style, it is a remainder from the 17th century. There are more than 100 angels sculpted in golden engraving ornamenting its altar.

Divine House
Part of the Divine Holy Spirit festivities takes place in this remodeled house. Tables, altars and instruments used during celebrations are displayed in its rooms.


Shopping

Wood and Corn Husk Arts and Crafts
There are many stands and stores located on Rua das Mercês, 452. Their working hours are from 8AM to 12PM and from 2PM to 4PM.

Sweets (made of coconut)
Some stands and stores on Rua das Merc~es, 401. Working hours from 8AM to 4PM.

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