The capital city of Maranhão State

São Luís Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of São Luís represents one of the most outstanding architectural features of Portuguese influence that is still present in Latin America today. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, its architectural collection includes approximately 3,500 buildings spread over more than 220 hectares. Most of the houses have lookouts coated in Portuguese tiles.

Built by the tycoons who commanded cotton production in the region between the 17th and 19th centuries, the manor houses and townhouses are iconic trademarks of the city’s economic boom.

Made up of the neighbourhoods of Praia Grande and Exile, the region today is home to museums, cultural centres, theatres, cinemas, bars, restaurants, fairs and a multitude of craft stores. There are also beautiful architectural treasures, including the town squares, charming alleys, stairs, slopes and some of the most picturesque streets in the historic part of town, in Rua Portugal, Rua do Giz and the Largo do Comércio.

Useful information

The Historic Centre area is closed to vehicles, making Praia Grande perfect for quiet walks to take in the scenery. Low shoes and sandals are recommended, due to the cobblestone floor, hills and stairs. It is also recommended that you wear light clothing and use plenty of sun protection cream while walking around the area.

Main attractions in São Luís:

Igreja da Sé: Built in 1762, the Igreja da Sé is dedicated to our Lady of Victory and stands out with its High Altar carved in gold, in the Portuguese national style. A genuinely imposing and monumental sight.

Palácio Episcopal: The College was built in 1627 by the Jesuits, for the children of the Portuguese. In 1759 it became the residence of the bishops and seminary, as well as housing the headquarters of the São Luís ecclesiastical government.

Palácio de La Ravardière: One of the oldest buildings in the city; dated back all the way to 1689, the Palace is the current headquarters of the Municipal Government. It was named in 1962 when the city of São Luís reached its 350th birthday.

Palácio Cristo Rei: Representing the luxury of the colonial period’s wealthy families, this Palace was built in 1838 to serve as a residency to Commander José Joaquim Teixeira Vieira.

Palácio dos Leões: The official residence and headquarters of the Maranhão Government, it is almost 400 years old, housing artistic treasures and relics that deserve to be seen and appreciated. It is named for the bronze lions that guard the entrance.

Art dwellings: Exhibition venue and home of charming Maranhão artists, located in Rua do Trapiche, on the corner of Rua Portugal.

Arthur Azevedo Theatre: Opened in 1817, this is the oldest working theatre in the country and the most famous in São Luís. First-time visitors are struck by the beauty of the well-preserved interior architecture, which displays neoclassical traits. The theatre is located in the Rua do Sol, in the centre of São Luís city.

Cafua das Mercês (home of mercy): The headquarters of the Museu do Negro (Black People’s Museum), its collection includes examples of African crafts alongside instruments of torture. In the past, it served as a warehouse for the trading of black people.