Penedo, Colonial municipality in Alagoas, Brazil
Penedo sits along the banks of the São Francisco River in southern Alagoas and ranks among the earliest colonial settlements in the region. The municipality includes both the historic core with narrow cobbled lanes and newer residential quarters along the waterfront promenade.
Dutch forces occupied the settlement in the 17th century for several years before Portuguese forces regained control. This conflict shaped the architecture and left traces in the street names and building styles of the old town center.
The annual Circuito Penedo de Cinema brings together filmmakers and artists from across Brazil to showcase regional and national productions.
The old center is best explored on foot, as many streets are steep and unsuitable for vehicles. Flat shoes make walking on the uneven cobblestones much easier.
Several churches in the historic quarter feature Portuguese azulejo tiles shipped from Europe in the 18th century. These hand-painted tiles depict religious scenes and geometric patterns that have remained well preserved despite the tropical weather.
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