Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz
Historic Ubatuba church with a unique canoe altar, recently restored, offering a spiritual and cultural experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the spiritual heart
Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz
Best Time
Experience the spiritual heart
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Ubatuba church with a unique canoe altar, recently restored, offering a spiritual and cultural experience.
"A beautiful place full of history and spirituality, with a very welcoming community."
🎯 Verify Mass Times
Online schedules and posted signs can differ. Confirm mass times on the parish website before your visit.
⛪ Admire the Altar
Don't miss the unique canoe-shaped altar, a beautiful tribute to local fishermen.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canoe-Shaped Altar
Main Altar
A unique altar shaped like a canoe, honoring São Pedro Pescador (Saint Peter the Fisherman).
Historic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the recently restored historic architecture, a testament to the town's heritage.
Single Tower Design
Exterior
Notice the distinctive single-tower design, a result of historical financial constraints.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Mass Times
Online schedules and posted signs can differ. Confirm mass times on the parish website before your visit.
⛪ Admire the Altar
Don't miss the unique canoe-shaped altar, a beautiful tribute to local fishermen.
🏛️ Appreciate History
This is a recently restored historical gem; take time to soak in its spiritual and architectural significance.
🙏 Join a Celebration
Check for local festivals like the Festa da Exaltação da Santa Cruz for a lively experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Mass Times
Online schedules and posted signs can differ. Confirm mass times on the parish website before your visit.
⛪ Admire the Altar
Don't miss the unique canoe-shaped altar, a beautiful tribute to local fishermen.
🏛️ Appreciate History
This is a recently restored historical gem; take time to soak in its spiritual and architectural significance.
🙏 Join a Celebration
Check for local festivals like the Festa da Exaltação da Santa Cruz for a lively experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the church as a beautiful, historic, and spiritually uplifting place, noting its recent restoration and welcoming community. Some have experienced challenges with inconsistent mass schedules, suggesting verification is key.
"Literally a candle for our son"
Jimi Avery
"Linda igreja histórica, foi recentemente restaurada. O padroeiro agora é Sao José de Anchieta. Horário de missas disponível no site da paróquia."
Matheus Pereira
"A beautiful place full of history and spirituality. It's also a very welcoming community, and they have many masses. God bless you!"
Cristopher López
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz is located in the center of Ubatuba, on Praça Matriz. It's easily accessible by foot if you are in the downtown area. Public transport options to the city center are available, and from there, it's a short walk.
Parking can be challenging in the central plaza area, especially during peak hours or events. It's advisable to look for street parking in nearby areas or consider public transport if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the church itself is generally free. However, donations are always appreciated to help with its upkeep and restoration.
The church is open for visits, but mass schedules can vary. It's crucial to check the official parish website or local listings for the most accurate mass times, as these can differ from general opening hours.
Yes, attending mass is a central part of the experience. Be sure to verify the schedule beforehand, as times can be inconsistent.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The church is famous for its unique altar shaped like a canoe, a tribute to São Pedro Pescador (Saint Peter the Fisherman). 
While it's a historic building, efforts are often made to improve accessibility. It's best to inquire directly with the parish if you have specific accessibility needs.
The church features a single completed tower due to historical financial limitations that prevented the construction of a second one.
Yes, the church hosts significant events like the Festa da Exaltação da Santa Cruz and the Festa do Divino. These celebrations offer a vibrant cultural and religious experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's respectful to avoid flash photography during services. Always be mindful of ongoing religious activities.
The unique canoe altar is a must-photograph. The exterior, especially the single tower and the plaza, also offers great photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church is a place of worship, its historical significance can also be a gentle introduction to local heritage for younger visitors. It's advisable to check mass times to ensure a visit doesn't coincide with services if you have very young children who might be restless. 🙏 Devout Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Restoration
Visitors often remark on the palpable sense of history and spirituality within its walls. The restoration efforts have preserved its heritage, making it a cherished site for both locals and tourists seeking a connection to the region's cultural roots. It's a place where the past and present converge, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection.
Unique Artistic and Spiritual Elements
Beyond the iconic altar, the church serves as a vibrant spiritual center. It hosts numerous masses and is a focal point for significant religious celebrations, such as the Festa da Exaltação da Santa Cruz and the Festa do Divino. These events are not just religious services but also community gatherings that showcase local culture and devotion.
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