Igarassu: History and Nature

Igarassu brings together an important historic district, museums, and a protected area of Atlantic Forest. The Sítio Histórico covers approximately 396,202 square meters and is one of the oldest and best-preserved civic and religious architectural complexes in Pernambuco. The town’s history also includes a church dating back to 1535 and collections of historical documents and works of art. The Refúgio Ecológico Charles Darwin adds a focus on nature. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether historic architecture and collections or a visit to the protected area should take center stage.

Historic Architecture and Church

The Igreja Matriz dos Santos Cosme e Damião was built in 1535 at the order of Capitão Afonso Gonçalves. It is considered Brazil’s oldest Catholic church. Those interested in the history of religious buildings will find a particularly notable landmark in Igarassu. The building’s historic significance and the broader importance of the Sítio Histórico as a civic and religious architectural complex offer two different perspectives on the town’s heritage.

The Festa de Santos Cosme e Damião takes place every year in the area around the church on September 27. This recurring date offers a specific cultural reference point when planning a trip in September. If you are considering a stay around that date, you can consider the Festa as a reason to visit in its own right, alongside the historic buildings and collections.

Museums and Collections

The Museu Histórico de Igarassu has 250 exhibits and is housed in three 18th-century buildings. Its collections include documents, religious objects, weapons, and numismatic items. The collection therefore brings together different kinds of objects: written records sit alongside items related to religion, weapons, and pieces associated with coins and monetary history. For families or travel groups with varied interests, the museum offers several different points of interest, so exploring the town’s history is not limited to just one type of object.

The Museu Pinacoteca de Igarassu offers a distinct focus. It is located on Rua Barbosa Lima in the Convento de Santo Antônio and contains 24 paintings and panels dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its time period distinguishes this collection from the diverse range of objects at the Museu Histórico: the focus here is on paintings and panels from two centuries. The Convento do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, in turn, is a Baroque monastery. Its church is distinguished by five windows on the upper floor. These specific architectural features give culturally minded travelers different subjects to explore as they discover Igarassu.

Protected Area and Other Travel Interests

The Refúgio Ecológico Charles Darwin covers 60 hectares within an Atlantic Forest reserve in the municipality of Igarassu. It is 8 kilometers from the Sítio Histórico. This makes it possible to consider the two places in terms of their different focuses: the historic district on one hand and the protected area on the other. Schools and universities visit the Refúgio year-round, accompanied by specialized guides.

Coroa do Avião is also part of the municipality of Igarassu and is considered one of the seven wonders of the state of Pernambuco. Together with the historic heritage and protected area, it expands the range of interests that can factor into your travel decision. If you are planning a trip with your family, you can first discuss whether architecture, collections, or nature is of greatest interest. This will help you choose a vacation rental or holiday home for a trip that suits your group’s interests.

More destinations for your vacation planning: Toritama, Barreiros, Goiana, Afogados Da Ingazeira, Bonito, Amaraji, Moreno and Barra Do Sirinhaém.

View the broader travel overview: Pernambuco.