Fodor's Expert Review Igreja de Santa Rita

The oldest church in Paraty, the simple whitewashed Church of Saint Rita sits on a grassy square with a mountain backdrop and makes for a terrific photo opportunity. The church was built in 1722 by and for freed slaves and has a typical Jesuit layout with a bell tower and domed front. Inside, the carved angels and ornate wood- and ironwork catch the eye, and there are many valuable religious artifacts on display in the church's small religious art museum.