Maceió

Maceió, capital of the state of Alagoas, is located 176 miles from Aracaju and 160 miles from Recife. This city has preserved its colonial architecture remarkably well. Entire neighborhoods have been preserved as they were in colonial times with their whitewashed walls and red tile roofs. The Governor's Palace mid Bom Jesus dos Mártires Church are worthwhile sights for any visitor.

Among its beautiful beaches - reputed to be among the best in Brazil - are Jatiúca, Pajuçara, Frances and São Miguel. Maceio's coastline is bathed by the waters of the Mundaú, a lagoon filled with "sururu" ( a type of mussel ) used in preparing a delicious local specialty.
115 miles from Maceió is Penedo, a town with abundant examples of colonial architecture including houses, monuments, squares and churches whose façades are decorated with colorful tiles.

Our Lady of Corrente Church is a noteworthy example. Also unique is São Gonçalo Garcia Church with its façade made of carved limestone. Penedo is located on the banks of the São Francisco River, a major waterway traversing the states of Alagoas, Bahia and Minas Gerais. Many of the boats that navigate along the São Francisco carry carved figureheads on their bows.