The Nossa Senhora das Dores Church is an elegant religious structure dating back to the turn of the 19th century. It is known for being restored and reformed in the early 1900s by an ecclesiastical group made up solely of women. Take a look around the church to get a sense of its fascinating history.
The church’s name is Portuguese for the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. Its restoration by a group of women was unusual in the 19th century, and the church exclusively admitted women for many years.
Take photos of the church’s graceful white façade, which is beautifully set off by the green frames and shutters of its windows and doors. A cross stands atop the main body of the frontage, while its one tower is topped by a rooster that serves as a weather vane. Note that the church was initially designed to have a symmetrical façade, with a tower on either side, but only one was constructed.
Gaze up at the bell tower and regard the classic lanterns hanging from the side of the church. Enter through the main door and admire the intricate architectural details within. The interior balconies are particularly impressive.
Stroll along the stunning coastline beside the church and admire the collection of colorful boats in the water. Visit at sunset to see the stunning vista created by the darkening hues of the sky beyond the church.
Keep in mind that the Nossa Senhora das Dores Church, which is free to enter, only opens on Saturdays from early afternoon until early evening. Find the building in the northeastern corner of the historic center of Paraty. It overlooks the water, at the point where the town’s river meets the Carioca Bay. Look for some of the other intriguing highlights of this district, such as Matriz Square, the Church of Our Lady of the Remedies and the Paraty Museum of Sacred Art.
