In São José do Norte, Molhe Leste represents both coastal use and wildlife protection. There is also the Barra, beaches with different nature and water-sports features, and a historic centre with buildings dating back several centuries. You can choose where to stay based on whether you want your trip to focus on the coast and nature or on historic buildings and events.
Molhe Leste, the Barra and the Coast
The Molhes da Barra comprise Molhe Leste in São José do Norte and Molhe Oeste in Rio Grande. Molhe Leste is 4.2 kilometres long and is used as a fishing spot. The Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Molhe Leste protects sea lions and fur seals. Molhe Leste is also a municipal wildlife reserve, established by Municipal Law No. 007 of 10 May 1996.
The Farol da Barra is 31 metres tall and has a range of 16 nautical miles. It was inaugurated on 18 January 1852. At Prainha, you can watch the sunset over the Laguna dos Patos. Praia do Mar Grosso is considered one of the main natural attractions; a variety of animal and plant species can be found along its stretch. Its rough waters are described as suitable for water sports such as surfing. The coastal locations therefore offer different highlights: at Prainha, the focus is on the sunset views, while at Mar Grosso it is on nature and the water sports on offer.
Building History and Historical Events
São José do Norte’s historic centre was the site of an invasion by Farrapo troops during the Farrapos War. Individual buildings also provide insight into the town’s history. The Solar dos Imperadores hosted Dom Pedro I and Dom Pedro II. The Frigoria was built in 1849 to serve as the main customs house of Rio Grande do Sul.
The Casa de Cultura was built in 1835; from 1992, the municipal museum was housed on its upper floor. The Antiga Intendência e Prefeitura Municipal building dates from 1898. The churches offer insight into both their construction dates and the origins of their materials: the Igreja Matriz de São José was built between 1800 and 1820 using materials brought from Portugal. The foundation stone of the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem was laid on 7 November 1848; the building was handed over to the community on 28 February 1851.
Further dates broaden the picture of local building history, though not all the buildings belong to the same period: the Torre Atalaia was built around 1820 and decommissioned in 1972. The Casa Castro was built in 1840, while the Casa Primo dates from 1825 to 1885. Those interested in historic places will find buildings from different periods and with different uses, rather than just one landmark serving as a point of reference.
Surrounding Landscape
Barrinha do Estreito is 35 kilometres from São José do Norte. An arm of the Laguna dos Patos flows towards the ocean; the landscape includes a beach, pine forest and open countryside. This is a distinct landscape feature near the destination, different from the coastal and architectural-history themes within the town itself.
Discover more destinations: Porto Alegre, São Jerônimo, Caçapava do Sul, Arroio dos Ratos, Frederico Westphalen, Novo Machado, Igrejinha, Palmeira das MissõEs.
For the regional travel overview: Rio Grande Do Sul.
