Fazenda Bananal has witnessed all the economic cycles of the Paraty region, like the gold and sugar cycles, in addition to the production of cachaça and manioc flour.
The original farm headquarters were at the north of the property, close to the original road that connected the coast and the countryside. In 1986, the route of the Royal Road changed, which moved the headquarters to the south of the property - where the Historic Farmhouse now stands, as a former point of assistance for travellers to obtain supplies, trade goods and enslaved people.
The restoration and conservation project for the current Farmhouse followed the guidance of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN).
The reconstruction of the building in its original characteristics (historical and architectural) is the result of in-depth research of documents, iconographic records and interviews.
As a remnant of the old farms of the colonial period, the Farmhouse is characterized as a small sugar mill, with a nearby watercourse – its supply and main source of energy.
The adjacent manor, listed as a Cultural Heritage Site by IPHAN, has an alcove, a circulation area, a living room and a kitchen. It has a large roof with no lining (as it was at the time), supported by stone pillars - present both in the supporting structure and on the ground floor.
Visiting the Farmhouse is an immersive experiences that can be self-guided or with the help of our guides who share their knowledge with visitors. The space also houses exhibitions on various themes aligned to the city's cultural festivities, the environment and sustainability practices, reinforcing our connection with the history and culture of the region and the development of regenerative tourism in the region.
Held in partnership with the ‘Casa da Cultura de Paraty’, the exhibition is a tribute to and a celebration of the UNESCO heritage title (Mixed Site - Culture and Biodiversity) awarded to Paraty in 2019.
The exhibition draws a parallel between the municipality's biodiversity and culture, with pieces made by local quilombola, indigenous and caiçara artisans, and locates the Historic Farmhouse of Fazenda Bananal in Paraty's history.
Outside the house, visitors can see handicrafts made by traditional communities, such as ‘Quilombo do Campinho’ and ‘Aldeia do Paraty-Mirim’. Inside, there is a diversity of art, history and culture: more handicrafts; TVs showing interviews with artisans and former residents of the farm; a traditional kitchen from the 18th/19th centuries; a room celebrating Paraty's main traditional festivals, such as ‘Festa do Divino’ and ‘Santa Rita de Cássia’, as well as folkloric banners and dolls.
This exhibition took visitors on a sensory journey through the richness of our flora, fauna, and marine life. Paintings, objects, and installations created by local artists transformed the mansion and gardens into an outdoor gallery, inspiring reflections on nature conservation and sustainable practices.
This showcase featured intimate portraits of the palm tree's producers and guardians in Paraty, capturing their connection to this native fruit through the lens of photographer Ana Andrade.
A photographic immersion born from documentary photographer Marcelo Oséas's research throughout Paraty and the surrounding region.
A dialogue between nature and culture. This exhibition was crafted entirely from elements fallen from trees — seeds, bark, leaves, and driftwood carried in by the sea.
The partnership between Fazenda Bananal and the Casa da Cultura de Paraty keeps the Historic Farmhouse alive.
Together, we work to preserve the history and culture of the region through events, exhibitions and educational projects that enrich the experience of visiting Fazenda Bananal.
An immersive dive into local gastronomy, enjoyed with sweeping views of the preserved Atlantic Forest from the historic mansion.
