The third most visited city in Alagoas, Piranhas is only behind the capital and Maragogi with its natural pools. Although Piranhas does not have beaches, the city has an enviable historical past, which led to it being listed as a national heritage site.
The historic center permeated with churches, viewpoints, squares and museum are places that denote this reality. To compensate for the lack of beach, the São Francisco River appears as a refreshment option. The tour along Rota do Cangaço, where Virgulino Ferreira da Silva known as Lampião, Maria Bonita and their companions were captured, is one of the most popular among tourists.
Cangaço Route
Photo of Rota do Cangaço, in Piranhas, AL
Photo Credit: © Ricardo Junior Fotografias.com.br
A 12 km trip along the São Francisco River is the starting point of the tour along the Rota do Cangaço on a traditional catamaran. On the walk you can see some rock formations and small beaches on the banks. Arrival in the Entremontes district is where the beginning of the 700 meter trail leads to Grota do Angico.
The tour includes a 45-minute transfer across the Chico River, lunch in a typical restaurant and a trail to Angicos, where the group was executed. In Entremontes, a half-hour stop is made to learn about rendedê, a typical northeastern embroidery produced by the women of Cia do Bordado de Entremontes, where it is possible to take some tablecloths, table runners and placemats as a gift. Also in the district, it is possible to visit a rustic little house that once hosted Dom Pedro I. After that, follow a trail to Grota do Angico, the highlight of the route. The tour is a way to retrace the famous bandit’s wanderings and learn about the history of the Brazilian backlands. Along the route you can see cacti, undergrowth and even a small mud house belonging to one of Lampião’s associates. In total, the 700-meter trail takes an hour to get there and back. The company of a guide is recommended. The first tour leaves at 9am and returns at 2pm, and another leaves at 2:20pm and returns at 5pm.
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See the photo gallery of the Cangaço-Lampião Route
Historic center
Photo of the Historic Center, in Piranhas, AL
Photo Credit: © Ricardo Junior Fotografias.com.br
Rustic and colorful houses, mansions, squares, churches and museums tell a little about the history of Piranhas and the state of Alagoas. The city represents the entire northeast by inspiring history amidst the cobblestone streets. In one of the squares, the statue of Padim Ciço, a reference for the people, stands out. The Sertão Museum, viewpoints and the Clock Tower are also among the attractions.
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See the photo gallery of the Historic Center of Piranhas
Sertão Museum
Photo of the Sertão Museum, in Piranhas, AL
Photo Credit: © Ricardo Junior Fotografias.com.br
In this museum, the memory of Lampião and his gang is remembered. The museum includes weapons, clothes and general objects from the cangaço, as well as the famous photo of the heads of Lampião and his gang. Divided into two spaces, the museum also houses murals that retell the history of the 1930s movement that became known worldwide. In addition to the historical context, the museum reserves an architectural structure that draws attention to the arch-shaped door in the imposing mansion. It is on Rua José Martiniano Vasco, in the old train station.
See the photo gallery of the Historic Center of Piranhas
Clock tower
Located in front of the Museu do Sertão, the old tower dates back to 1879. Inside, there is an English chime-style clock and the Café da Torre.
Secular Lookout
Photo of the Secular Viewpoint in Piranhas – AL
Photo Credit: © Ricardo Junior Fotografias.com.br
Dating back to the 19th century, this current viewpoint was once an important lighthouse that guided vessels traveling along the São Francisco River. Today, its main function is to serve as a viewpoint with a view of the river and the city. There is a quadrangular pyramid measuring almost ten meters at the site. Reaching the top of the viewpoint is possible after climbing 364 steps.
See the photo gallery of the Historic Center of Piranhas
little beach
Photo of Prainha, in Piranhas, AL
Photo Credit: © Ricardo Junior Fotografias.com.br
To cool off from the 40º heat in Piranhas, just head to the small beach. The waters are suitable for bathing. Natives and tourists who pass by are not intimidated and take the opportunity to mitigate the blistering heat of the river.
The beach is on the right, on the banks of the São Francisco River. Unlike other cities, Piranhas does not have beaches, so the structure was set up to alleviate the heat that affects the entire city.
See the photo gallery of the São Francisco River in Piranhas
