São João da Barra

São João da Barra is a coastal municipality in Rio de Janeiro featuring beaches, residential areas, and industrial zones spread across a large territory. The landscape sits low relative to sea level, shaped primarily by Atlantic waters and coastal features.

The settlement began in 1677 when fishermen from a neighboring area established a new village and named it after their patron saint. This fishing origin shaped what the place became over the following centuries.

The municipality keeps its connection to the sea alive through local celebrations, fishing traditions, and seafood cooking that show how much the coastal way of life matters to its people.

A major port and industrial complex on the coast handles shipping for the northern region. Visitors can explore different neighborhoods to see how industry and residential areas exist side by side here.

The place shows a striking contrast between modern port facilities and traditional fishing communities that have long coexisted side by side. This blend allows visitors to see two different worlds operating in the same location.

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Inception: June 17, 1677

Elevation above the sea: 5 m

Shares border with: Campos dos Goytacazes, São Francisco de Itabapoana

Website: https://sjb.rj.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -21.64000,-41.05083

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:43