Brazilian resort Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis Brazil RJ См. Фото-галерею

Angra dos Reis is a municipality located southwest of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, some 150 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is famous for its coastline, comprised of the Bay of Ilha Grande, a beautiful and pristine setting having 365 islands, of which the largest and most important is Ilha Grande. Brazil's only operational nuclear power station (the Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto) is located here. Its main population center is the port and city of the same name.

After The Brazilian coast was officially discovered by The Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500, The Portuguese crown sent to Brazil a naval fleet composed by three ships to draw a map and exploit The new discovered continent. The colonizers that were already impressed by The beauty of The Guanabara Bay got even more impressed afterwards. The naval fleet commanded by The Portuguese navigator Gaspar de Lemos got at The Long Island (Ilha Grande) in January The 6th 1502. It was "Kings' day" (Dia de Reis) and because of this special date The place was named "Kings' Creek "(Angra dos Reis). The constant rain and The air always hot and humid of The summer were decisive to make them stay in Angra a special moment. One of The members of The naval fleet wrote to Portugal.

The primitive village was raised by the aboriginal people, slaves and explorers sent by the Portuguese Crown. The local activities were mainly related to fishing, hunting and subsistence agriculture. In that time Ilha Grande, an immense island which is nowadays one of our most famous tourist points, abounded in wood and provided perfect places for ship-building. It used to be called “Ipaum-Guaçu” by Tamoios and Tupinambás, its original inhabitants. In the seventeenth century Angra dos Reis, still having Vila Velha as its comercial and political center, was a constant background of violent robbery and piracy.

Like many Brazilian colonial cities, Angra dos Reis was deeply influenced by The catholic Church. In a small area it is possible to find a great number of convents, churches and monuments, even at The little islands, which is very charming. One example is The Senhor do Bonfim, The Santana and Piedade Churches.

The downtown Angra was built in curves, following The wind that blows all day. Besides The churches there is little left from the old colonial style. Even though a promenade at downtown Angra can give you nice surprises.. Click below to see pictures and to know a little more of our history.