Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda is a Catholic church in Itaquaquecetuba built at the highest point of the Tietê Valley. The property contains two distinct structures that form a unified religious complex on the grounds.

Construction of the church started in 1624 as a strategic location for the growing local population. It served the Jesuits as an important center for their teaching activities among nearby indigenous settlements.

The church preserves traditions connected to the Guaianases indigenous peoples and Jesuit practices through events like Santa Cruz dance performances. These customs reflect how local and religious practices became intertwined in the community's life.

The church is located at Praça Padre João Alvares and reopened in September 2014 after seven years of restoration work. Visiting on weekends allows you to experience the space when the local community gathers there.

The original building uses rammed earth construction techniques from 1624, a traditional method combining earth and organic materials. This building style is rarely preserved in the region and reflects early colonial craftsmanship.