Praça da Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz
Historic heart of Ubatuba, featuring a colonial church with a unique canoe altar and a vibrant central square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Praça da Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic heart of Ubatuba, featuring a colonial church with a unique canoe altar and a vibrant central square.
"The church is very old with evidence of Portuguese architecture."
📸 Capture the Canoe Altar
Don't miss the unique canoe-shaped altar inside the church! It's a special tribute.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Historic Square
The Praça da Matriz is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk and soaking in Ubatuba's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz
Praça da Matriz
Historic church with a unique canoe-shaped altar, honoring São Pedro Pescador.
Praça da Matriz
Central Ubatuba
The heart of Ubatuba, a historic square surrounded by cultural landmarks.
Teatro Municipal Pedro Paulo Teixeira Pinto
Adjacent to the square
A cultural venue adding to the square's vibrant atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Canoe Altar
Don't miss the unique canoe-shaped altar inside the church! It's a special tribute. 
🚶♀️ Stroll the Historic Square
The Praça da Matriz is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk and soaking in Ubatuba's history.
☕ Grab a Local Treat
Look for local vendors like 'Pipoca da Emília' for snacks while enjoying the square.
🏛️ Appreciate Colonial Architecture
The church is a rare surviving example of colonial architecture in the region.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Canoe Altar
Don't miss the unique canoe-shaped altar inside the church! It's a special tribute.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Historic Square
The Praça da Matriz is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk and soaking in Ubatuba's history.
☕ Grab a Local Treat
Look for local vendors like 'Pipoca da Emília' for snacks while enjoying the square.
🏛️ Appreciate Colonial Architecture
The church is a rare surviving example of colonial architecture in the region.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Praça da Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz as a 'nice place' and a 'show' with evident Portuguese colonial architecture. The church's unique canoe altar is a highlight, and the square is appreciated as a historic landmark.
"Nice pleace"
A H Sikder (Anwar)
"Show"
Hilton Silva
"The church is very old with evidence of Portuguese architecture."
Olly Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Praça da Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz is located in the center of Ubatuba, making it easily accessible. If you're driving, there's usually parking available nearby, though it can get busy on weekends. Public transport options are also available to reach the city center.
Yes, it's a central landmark in Ubatuba, often referred to as the 'Praça da Matriz'. You'll find it in the heart of the city, making it hard to miss.
Walking is the best way to explore the Praça da Matriz and its surroundings. You can easily visit the church, the municipal theater, and other nearby attractions on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Praça da Matriz itself is a public square and is free to enter. The Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz is also generally open to visitors without an entry fee, though donations are appreciated.
The church's opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours for visitors. It's best to check locally or visit during standard daytime hours for the best chance to see inside.
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter the Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz. However, it's a place of worship, so respectful behavior is expected.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The altar is uniquely carved in wood and shaped like a canoe, serving as a tribute to São Pedro Pescador (Saint Peter the Fisherman). This is a significant cultural and artistic detail.
Yes, the Igreja Matriz Exaltação da Santa Cruz is one of the few surviving colonial architectural landmarks in Ubatuba, making it a valuable historical site.
Besides the church, the square is home to the Teatro Municipal Pedro Paulo Teixeira Pinto and an Obelisco, contributing to the area's cultural and historical appeal.
Photography is usually permitted inside churches, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful of worshippers. Avoid flash photography during services.
The name refers to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a Christian feast day. The church is dedicated to this religious observance.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the central location means there are many restaurants, cafes, and snack bars around the Praça da Matriz. You can find options for various tastes and budgets.
You can often find local snacks like 'pipoca' (popcorn) and fried cheese from vendors near the square, such as 'Pipoca da Emília'.
📸 📸 Photography
The church's facade, the unique canoe altar inside, and the overall square with its surrounding buildings offer great photo opportunities. Drone shots can capture the layout of the square.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. Early mornings can also be good for fewer people and softer light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Nearby, you can find casual eateries and snack vendors, like 'Pipoca da Emília', offering treats that kids will enjoy. It's a safe and central location for a relaxed family exploration of Ubatuba's heritage.
🏛️ History Buffs
+2Take your time to appreciate the details of the church and the surrounding historical buildings like the Municipal Theater. The square itself is considered the 'marco zero' (zero mark) of the city, making it a pivotal point for understanding Ubatuba's origins and development.
+1📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Canoe Altar
+2This artistic choice makes the church a unique cultural landmark, drawing visitors interested in both religious sites and local craftsmanship. The canoe altar is a testament to the creativity and devotion of the community, blending religious symbolism with maritime culture. It’s a detail that many visitors find particularly memorable and photogenic.
Historical Significance and Architecture
+3This historical resilience makes the square a focal point for understanding Ubatuba's heritage. It's not just a place of worship but a living piece of history that has witnessed the city's evolution. Visitors interested in Brazilian colonial history and architecture will find this area particularly compelling.
+1Community and Religious Life
Prayers for protection and well-being are associated with the Holy Cross, as seen in some online content. This underscores the enduring religious importance of the site for many. Visitors can experience this by observing local practices or attending services if their visit coincides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit