Itacaré: Discover the History and Charms of this Destination

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Itacaré’s history began as a village of Pataxós Indians, transformed into a Jesuit settlement in the 18th century. It was an important port in the cocoa cycle and in smuggling, preserving its rich historical past to this day.

Itacaré, in the south of Bahia, is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet and full contact with nature. However, the tourist town, which is part of the Cocoa Coast, also attracts those in search of adrenaline and extreme sports.

Perfect waves, such as those at Praia da Tiririca, attract surfers from all over Brazil and the world. The calm of the tide at Praia da Concha invites you to take a relaxing swim and practice Stand-Up Paddle.

Cidade de Itacaré na Bahia
Cidade de Itacaré na Bahia

Itacaré is home to countless natural and cultural beauties. Deserted beaches surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest coexist with colonial buildings and mansions from the early 20th century.

While surfers look for beaches with strong waves, ecotourists are enchanted by deserted beaches that can be accessed by trails, as well as waterfalls in the middle of the forest. The town’s residents endeavour to keep the green areas intact, demonstrating a strong environmental awareness.

In addition, Itacaré preserves important customs, such as the practice of capoeira, which is a cultural hallmark of the region.

See also The Tourist Guide to Itacaré in Bahia

 

Mapa turistico de Itacaré na Bahia
Mapa turistico de Itacaré

History of Itacaré

The town of Itacaré originated as a village of Pataxós Indians, where Jesuit Father Luís de Grã built a chapel at the beginning of the 18th century, which still stands under the invocation of St Michael.

Itacaré antiga
Itacaré antiga

The settlement was baptised as São Miguel da Barra do Rio de Contas and became a municipality in 1732, first called Itapira, and later Itacaré.

According to the old-timers, during colonisation, the Indians frequently attacked the Jesuits, who built a tunnel linking the altar of the church to the Jesuit House to facilitate their escape. This tunnel, however, has been filled in.

In the past, Itacaré was an important port, especially at a time when maritime transport was predominant. It also served as a clandestine port, connecting the town of Rio de Contas, in the Chapada Diamantina, to various towns in Minas Gerais.

The constant flow of goods and precious stones attracted pirates, who would hide around the port to steal diamonds and other riches from travellers.

With the advent of roads, the harbour was only used for fishing. Cocoa cultivation, which began at the end of the 19th century, boosted the local economy, but the decline of this activity resulted in a slow decay.

The construction of the BR-101 highway in the 1960s favoured other inland towns, but Itacaré remained isolated, which contributed to its preservation.

The difficult access, with 54 kilometres of clay road, kept the town out of time for years. However, the construction of the BA-001 motorway, which runs along the coast of Bahia, brought tourism and transformed the town.

Today, Itacaré has grown towards the beaches, with the Pituba neighbourhood emerging, with its main street, Caminho das Praias. The more recently urbanised Concha neighbourhood is home to the city’s main inns.

Video about the history of Itacaré in Bahia

História de Itacaré na Bahia

Historical Attractions of Itacaré BA

1. St Michael’s Church

Igreja de São Miguel, Itacaré BA
Igreja de São Miguel, Itacaré BA
Igreja São Miguel em Itacaré
Igreja São Miguel em Itacaré
  • Built by the Jesuits in a high area of the city, allowing the mouth of the bar to be seen, through which large ships entered.
  • Start of construction: 1718 | Completion: 1723.
Farol na Praia da Concha em Itacaré
Farol na Praia da Concha em Itacaré
  • Located on Praia da Concha, its purpose was to guide cocoa boats.
  • After its restoration, it became known as the only square lighthouse in the world, according to local fishermen.

Tourist Guide to Itacaré in Bahia

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