Stone streets
Colonial houses.
Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0
Laranjeiras is a small town near Aracaju and one of the few places in Brazil where colonial architecture still shows its full strength: streets, houses and churches all breathe history. It was once the most important town in Sergipe and the cradle of its culture, education, politics and economy, thanks to sugar cane, coconuts, cattle and above all its port on the Cotinguiba River. It became a municipality in 1832, and in 1836 the first customs house in Sergipe opened here, through which most of the province's produce was exported; its sugar industry grew to rank among the largest producers. Its wealth drew merchants, doctors, lawyers and intellectuals, and a lively press flourished. The national heritage institute protects its architectural and landscape ensemble. The Cotinguiba runs through the historic centre among green hills, and the listing forbids tall buildings, so its narrow stone streets and old houses remain intact. Laranjeiras is famous for its rich folklore, including the Reisado, Guerreiros, Lambe-Sujos and Cacumbi traditions, counted among the most important popular celebrations in Brazil.
Colonial houses.
Among hills.
Traditional dances.
Town centre on the Cotinguiba River, Sergipe
About twenty kilometres, making a good half-day or day trip.