The ruins
Stone walls.
The Abarebebê Ruins are the remains of the Church of São João Batista in Peruíbe on the south coast of São Paulo state. It was first built of wood in the early days of Portuguese colonisation, in the village of São João Batista founded under Martim Afonso around 1540. «Abarebebê» means «flying priest» in Tupi, honouring the Jesuit Leonardo Nunes, who moved between villages so quickly that the Indigenous people thought he was in several places at once. The site housed the São João Batista mission village, the only Indigenous mission on the São Paulo coast, which lasted until 1804. The site is listed by the state heritage council and opens to visitors in set seasons, such as the July and December holidays, for a small fee of about five reais, with access from Avenida Padre Anchieta. Check opening dates with Peruíbe city hall before going.
Stone walls.
On the coast.
Tupi language.
Avenida Padre Anchieta, Peruíbe, São Paulo state
In set seasons such as the July and December holidays; check with the city.