About this place
The church of Porto Seguro's patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Pena, stands opposite the Marco do Descobrimento and beside the former Town Hall and Jail, now the Discovery Museum, at the top of the Historic Town. Built in 1664 under the direction of Father Manuel de Araujo, it is a fortified building with thick walls and hardwood, designed to fight pirates and protect against Indigenous arrows. “A house for prayer and defending Christians.” 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 varies with the time of day, tide, weather, calendar and means of access. Plan your visit considering travel, time on site and current rules, and confirm operational information before setting out.
Getting there
Access starts in central Porto Seguro and is possible by car, ride-hailing service, taxi or public transport. For the Historic Town, allow for the climb to Cidade Alta and favor signposted access routes.
Things to do
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.
Practical planning
- Suggested duration
- 1 to 3 hours
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Costs
- A contribution, admission fee or guided visit may apply
- Accessibility
- May include hills, natural paths or historic paving
- Advance booking
- Recommended for guided or community visits
- Seasonality
- Check local hours, celebrations and rules
Approximate distances
- Porto Seguro airport
- approx. 3–5 km
- Porto Seguro town centre
- approx. 1–3 km
- Bus terminal
- approx. 2–4 km
- Coroa Vermelha
- approx. 15–18 km
- Mundaí
- approx. 5–7 km
- Arraial d’Ajuda
- approx. 8–12 km via ferry
Distances are estimates, not journey times. Confirm the route and any ferry crossings before departure.