Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is a colonial place of worship in central Paraty built with rammed earth walls and traditional stucco finishes. The structure displays Portuguese architectural features including a central bell tower and a simple, solid form typical of the period.

The building was completed around 1800 and witnessed the shift from Portuguese rule to Brazilian independence in 1822. The structure survived this transformative period and remained a lasting marker of religious continuity in the changing region.

The church serves as a focal point for local religious practice and reflects the spiritual importance of Catholicism during the colonial period. Today visitors can observe how the building's prominent location and design emphasize its central role in community life.

The church is centrally located in Paraty and easily accessible on foot from most of the city's hotels and restaurants. Visitors should be aware that access may be limited during active services and modest clothing is expected when entering.

The building was constructed using rammed earth, a material widely used in colonial times in this region. This straightforward building technique shows how builders of that era worked efficiently with local resources to create structures that lasted.