The House of Culture is an ideal place to explore the rich history and traditions of the Paraty community. The pieces on display are worthy of a visit in themselves, but what makes this site truly spectacular are the incredible views of the neighborhood from the upstairs gallery.
Many walking tours of Paraty’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, include a stop at the House of Culture, along with other notable attractions like the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies, Igreja de Santa Rita, and Capela Nossa Senhora das Dores.
The Casa da Cultura is located at Rua Dona Geralda 177. Cars are not permitted in Paraty’s historic city center, so the best way to get to the museum is on foot. If you’re coming from further afield, you can take a taxi to the central bus station and walk from there.
The House of Culture is open Tuesday to Saturday in the afternoons and for a few hours on Sunday evenings. Plan to visit just before sunset when the light is at its best for taking photographs of town from the upstairs gallery.
The colonial city center in Paraty is where most visitors spend their time, exploring the colonial architecture and enjoying the ambiance. Walk down Rua da Lapa to watch fishing boats from the main pier and to visit one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, the Santa Rita church. To visit the town’s biggest and most ornate church, head to Matriz Square, home of the neoclassical First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies.
