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Alcobaça, a simple and charming place, stands out for its good beaches and beautiful excursions. The most attractive include a boat trip to the Abrolhos Archipelago or the Timbebas Reefs.

The municipality has its origins in a village created on 12 November 1772 by the Ombudsman José Xavier Machado Monteiro, in the place called Arraial de Itanhém, situated on the banks of the Itanhém River, to the south of the Captaincy of Porto Seguro. It is currently part of the Microregion of the Extreme South of Bahia, known as the Whale Coast.

The foundation of Alcobaça dates back to the Royal Charter of 1755, one of the most important documents in the history of Brazil in the 18th century. In this letter, King José I of Portugal ordered the creation of the Captaincy of São José do Rio Negro and gave instructions for the foundation of towns in the colony. The letter is mentioned in the ‘Autos de Criação e Ereção da Nova Vila de Alcobaça’ of 12 November 1772, which is considered the starting point for the municipality’s history.

The name Alcobaça comes from a town of the same name in Portugal, located in the district of Leiria. According to an unproven legend, the first inhabitants of Alcobaça in Bahia came from there.

St Bernard was chosen as the town’s patron saint, which is why 19th century documents refer to the place as ‘Vila de São Bernardo de Alcobaça’.

For lovers of underwater life, Paredão das Paredes is an unmissable attraction, where spearfishing is permitted, offering a unique experience at the bottom of the sea.

Videos about the sights and history of Alcobaça

Alcobaça in Bahia

1. Folkloric and Religious Festivals

The folk festivals in Alcobaça are marked by a strong presence of religious and cultural traditions, with the following dates standing out:

• 19 and 20 January: Fight of the Moors and Christians (known elsewhere in Bahia and Brazil as Cavalhada, Chegança de Mouros, Marujada, among others).
• 20th January: Feast of São Sebastião (the peak of the Moors and Christians festival).
• Pentecost (May or June): Feast of the Divine (with a parade and procession through the city streets).
• 29 June: Feast of Saint Peter (with a parade and boat procession on the River Itanhém).
• Christmas season: Folguedo de Reis, Pastorinhas, Terno de Boi (also known as Bumba Meu Boi), among other events.

In Alcobaça, the main folkloric events are deeply linked to religious festivals, which reflect the popular devotion and cultural syncretism of the region.

Feast of St Bernard

Alcobaça’s biggest religious festival is dedicated to São Bernardo and takes place annually from 11 to 21 August, with the peak on 20 August, São Bernardo‘s day. As well as being a time of great religious expression, this celebration also attracts many visitors and is one of the town’s biggest cultural events. The festivities include music, dances and religious rituals that involve the entire local community.

Feast of St Peter

For a town whose economy is strongly linked to fishing, the Feast of Saint Peter, celebrated on 29 June, has a special significance. Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is honoured with a procession of boats from the port pier to the bar of the Itanhém river, symbolising gratitude for protection on the high seas and for the abundance of fish. This tradition, deeply rooted in the daily lives of local fishermen, reflects the importance of St Peter in the life of the community and in the town’s fishing culture.

Feast of St Sebastian

The traditional fight between Moors and Christians, celebrated on 19 and 20 January, is one of Alcobaça‘s most striking cultural manifestations. Introduced by the Portuguese during the colonial period, this festival reflects the medieval wars between Christians and Moors, symbolising the eternal struggle between Good and Evil. The festival, which includes reenactments, typical dances and music, is one of Alcobaça‘s most unique and significant cultural expressions and has been lovingly preserved by local generations.

2. Architecture and Historical Heritage

Alcobaça’s architecture preserves the town’s history, especially in the 19th century mansions and townhouses. Its streets are paved with hexagonal concrete blocks, and many century-old farms can still be found in the surrounding area.

The preservation of these heritage sites has been recommended by technicians from the Bahia Cultural Heritage Institute (IPAC-BA), who carry out studies on the historical and architectural importance of the region. Alcobaça is also recognised for its natural charm, which includes beautiful beaches and landscapes that complement its historical legacy.

2.1. Mother Church of São Bernardo

Located in Padre José Porphirio Square, the imposing Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo is one of Alcobaça’s main landmarks. Its construction began in the 1860s, under the leadership of Father José Porphirio da Silva, and was only completed in 1887, after his death.

The church has undergone several renovations, including the replacement of the ceramic roof with asbestos in 1958 and the modernisation of the high altar in the 1970s.

2.2. House of Izidro Nascimento

Built in 1892 by Major Izidro Pedro do Nascimento, this historic townhouse, located at Rua Pedro Muniz, 206, currently serves as a parish residence. Its façade retains original details, while the interior has been adapted over time.

2.3. Medeiros Family Sobrado

Also known as the Casa de Ismael Medeiros, this sobrado, located at 190 Rua Pedro Muniz, was built by João José de Medeiros. Typical of a 19th century bourgeois sobrado, it had a high basement used to house slaves and servants, according to reports from the time.

2.4. Cacimba do Concelho

Located between Joaquim Muniz and Pedro Muniz streets, the Cacimba do Concelho is a historic water source in the city, probably dating back to the 18th century. Its current structure, octagonal in plan and lined with geometric tiles, was built at the end of the 19th century.

The fountain was closed in the 1970s when the water supply was modernised, but it remains an architectural and cultural landmark in Alcobaça.

2.5. Municipal Prison

Located on the banks of the Itanhém river, the old Municipal Jail is another important historical landmark. Its construction dates back to the 19th century and it served both as a prison and as the local administrative headquarters.

2.6. Casa da Cultura de Alcobaça (or Casa de Garcia Júnior)

Located in Praça Padre José Porphirio, opposite the Mother Church of São Bernardo, this large single-storey house originally belonged to Antonio Garcia de Medeiros Júnior (1861-1945), the city’s former mayor. After his heirs took possession, the property was donated to the municipality to be used as a school.

Later, the house was transformed into a recreational space at the end of the 1960s. It currently houses the House of Culture, where musical, theatrical and cultural events are held, as well as a museum that preserves local history.

2.7. Central Promenade

The Calçadão Central, an exclusive pedestrianised street, runs through the heart of the city. It connects Praça da Caixa d’Água one block away from Praça Padre José Porphirio, where the Igreja Matriz de São Bernardo is located.

The promenade is busy and has bars, snack bars and an intense trade. Other promenades can be found in the city, especially near the beaches or along the river, but this is the main commercial and social point.

2.8. Caixa d’Água Square

This is one of the city’s main squares, identified by the huge water tank that occupies its centre, built to guarantee the distribution of drinking water.

The square is the stage for the city’s main evening events, such as parties and musical performances. During the summer and Carnival, it hosts a temporary stage where bands and groups perform.

The square is also home to arcades, internet cafés, supermarkets and the town’s only bank branches: Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica Federal.

2.9. Town Hall

The town hall building, situated at one end of Praça Padre José Porphirio, has a long history marked by incidents such as fires, removals and renovations. The original building, attributed to then mayor Antonio Garcia de Medeiros Júnior, housed both the town hall and the municipal jail, whose compartment was located under the front staircase.

In the 1980s, the building housed a Caixa Econômica Federal branch and other municipal departments. After years of neglect, it was restored and recently returned to function as the town hall.

2.10. Fishermen’s Colony

The Alcobaça Fishermen’s Colony, in addition to its union function, promotes cultural events such as the São Sebastião Festival. It also offers benefits to registered workers, including health and welfare plans.

The headquarters are located next to the houses of Izidro Nascimento and the Medeiros family.

3. Alcobaça beaches

3.1. Barra Beach

At the mouth of the Itanhém river, where the river meets the sea, a vast mangrove area is formed, ideal for water sports and sport fishing. The site has infrastructure such as a beach hut and the Deck da Barra restaurant.

3.2. Centre Beach

With its long stretch of golden sand and excellent infrastructure of beach huts, restaurants, inns and hotels, this beach is a favourite with tourists of all ages.

3.3. Lighthouse Beach

Quiet and secluded, Praia do Farol is popular with young people for luals and gatherings around bonfires, usually accompanied by live music.

It is also a nesting spot for sea turtles. At certain times of the year, it is possible to witness the thrilling moment when the hatchlings run into the sea.

3.4. Itanhém River, Barra do Itanhém and Mangrove Swamp

This is a favoured spot for water sports and fishing, offering a good infrastructure of bars and restaurants. There are also options for sightseeing, boat and kayak hire and other activities.

3.5. Alcobaça Beach

Ideal for all ages, Alcobaça’s beaches offer unique experiences. At high tide, they are frequented by surfers, while at low tide, they form natural pools perfect for children and the elderly.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.