Alcântara, Colonial municipality in Maranhão, Brazil.
The municipality extends across 1,458 square kilometers of land, featuring cobblestone streets, Portuguese architecture, and numerous historical buildings from the colonial period.
French explorers established the settlement in the 16th century before Portuguese forces captured it, using the location as a strategic base to reclaim São Luís from Dutch control.
The population maintains traditions through local festivals, including the Feast of the Holy Spirit celebrations and Tambor de Crioula performances of Afro-Brazilian music and dance.
Visitors reach the municipality by regular boat services from São Luís, with crossings taking approximately one hour across the bay.
The Brazilian Space Agency operates the Alcântara Launch Center, positioning the municipality as a primary location for space exploration activities in South America.
Location: Maranhão
Elevation above the sea: 39 m
Website: http://alcantara-ma.hpg.ig.com.br
Shares border with: Bacurituba, Bequimão, Guimarães, Peri Mirim, São Luís
Website: http://alcantara-ma.hpg.ig.com.br
GPS coordinates: -2.40889,-44.41500
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:55
Historic Centre of São Luís
18 km
Palace of the Lions
17.8 km
Catedral de São Luís
18.1 km
Government of Maranhão
17.9 km
Museu do Reggae do Maranhão
17.9 km
Palácio de la Ravardière
18 km
Praça Benedito Leite
17.9 km
The City’s Fortification System
15.2 km
Maranhao's House
17.9 km
Praia de São Marcos
16.7 km
Museu de Arte Sacra (São Luís)
17.9 km
Cujupe
16 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
18.1 km
Teatro João do Vale
18.2 km
Episcopal Palace
18.1 km
Huguenot House of Culture Daniel de La Touché
18 km
Museu Casa Histórica de Alcântara
328 m
Museu Casa de Nhozinho
18 km
Centro Cultural Vale Maranhão
18.2 km
Centro de Criatividade Odylo Costa Filho
18.1 km
Casa de Cultura Aeroespacial
547 m
House of Drum of Crioula do Maranhão
18 km
Conjunto Arquitetônico e Urbanístico de Alcântara
209 m
Núcleo urbano da cidade de Alcântara
278 m
Centro Cultural Mestre Amaral
17.9 km
Casa de Câmara e Cadeia
284 m
Retábulo da Igreja Nossa Senhora da Vitória
18.1 km
Igreja Matriz de São Matias
248 mReviews
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