Porto Seguro · Bahia
The Arraial d’Ajuda district is home to Brazil’s first sanctuary: Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda Church. The image of the saint arrived in 1549, brought by Portuguese Jesuits. Construction of the sanctuary began around 1550 and was completed in 1772 with the grand stone-and-lime building. Behind the church, alongside the exuberant views of Arraial’s coastline and living forest, there is a spring of pure water considered miraculous by many.
Open location on the mapThe Arraial d’Ajuda district is home to Brazil’s first sanctuary: Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda Church. The image of the saint arrived in 1549, brought by Portuguese Jesuits. Construction of the sanctuary began around 1550 and was completed in 1772 with the grand stone-and-lime building. Behind the church, alongside the exuberant views of Arraial’s coastline and living forest, there is a spring of pure water considered miraculous by many. This place is part of Rede Bem Bahia’s Regional Guide and helps visitors understand the natural, historical, cultural and scenic diversity of the Costa do Descobrimento. The experience changes according to the time of day, tide, weather, calendar and means of access. Plan your visit with travel, length of stay and current rules in mind, and confirm operational information before leaving.
From Porto Seguro, cross the Buranhém River by ferry and follow Estrada da Balsa to Arraial d’Ajuda. Road access is also available via BA-986, without a river crossing.
Observe the architecture, understand the events associated with the site, visit its spaces of remembrance, and allow time for religious, artistic and landscape details. Allow time to notice the details presented in the attraction description and take photographs responsibly.
Respect celebrations and worship areas, dress appropriately and confirm opening hours for indoor spaces.
Distances are estimates, not journey times. Confirm the route and any ferry crossings before departure.
You can use the entire guide without booking with us. It is produced by Rede Bem Bahia, which brings together these three properties. Compare their locations with your itinerary and discover our hotels.
A pool, accommodation and outdoor spaces in Mundaí: a base for exploring Porto Seguro and the northern waterfront.
A pool, guest rooms and breakfast in Coroa Vermelha: explore the property before planning your stay in Cabrália.
An entire holiday home in Arraial d’Ajuda, with a private pool, bedrooms and a veranda for your group.
Photos from the Rede Bem Bahia collection. Confirm your room category and stay conditions with the team.
Select your hotel and dates in the booking engine. Rates, availability and conditions are confirmed there. Tours are booked separately with their operators. External hotel and booking websites may use a different language.
