History of Arraial d'Ajuda

The town’s name Arraial d’Ajuda was given in honor of Tomé de Souza and the first Jesuits who arrived in 1549 with their tree ships named: Conceição, Salvador and Ajuda, which later became the names for the towns and churches.

The church of Nossa Senhora d'Ajuda, the first sanctuary Mariana of Brazil, was built in 1549 to honor the appearance of the image of Nossa senhora d’Ajuda. Alongside this church were built typical houses that are still preserved and used by locals to sell typical arts and crafts. Just beneath this church you will find the famous holy water source, several legends tell the story of her miraculous birth. The legend tells that if you take a bath of its water you will return one day to Arraial d'Ajuda.

The news of the many miracles and the famous church of Arraial d’Ajuda became known all over the country and attracted a large number of faithful visitors. This was the birth of the first tourism towards the city.

During the 70’s the first hippies arrived in search of a new mystical place (the city of Arraial d’Ajuda has the same latitude as some other mystical places like Bali, Indonesia) and found here their paradise, celebrating the love for nature and the hospitality of the local people.

Until today, people throughout Brazil and the rest of the world rediscovered Arraial d’Ajuda, a small charming town surrounded by a native tropical forest and breathtaking beaches.