Brazil’s colonial history dates to 1500 when Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral landed ships and founded a small settlement in a location he named Porto Seguro (safe harbour).

30 kilometers to the south an order of Jesuit missionaries in 1586 chose to build a church and create a perfect village prototype for this new world, choosing for its location a majestic hilltop overlooking two rivers, woods, mangrove, and the sea. The thick rainforest was cleared to establish a town green measuring 320 by 60 meters and anchored on one end by a simple white church overlooking the sea.

The green was surrounded by 50 small houses where it was imagined indigenous people would live in harmony with God and nature. This utopian community was christened São João Batista dos Indios, and was popularly called Trancoso.

Due to isolation over the centuries Trancoso and its enchanting town green (the Quadrado) have remained largely unchanged and forgotten by the outside world. Only in the late 1970’s did hippies and naturalists visiting southern Bahia begin to rediscover the village. With the graceful Quadrado intact and still surrounded by spectacular nature, the legend of the town reemerged.

During these years the only way to reach Trancoso was by a daylong walk along deserted beaches or via a ride on a fishing boat. In this remote place far from modern civilization new arrivals were welcomed by the natives and integrated into the community, and all carved out a future which emphasized preservation of the town’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

TRANCOSO'S QUADRADO  - compliments of UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

The heart of Trancoso is undoubtedly the town square known as the Quadrado.

Founded in 1586 and largely unchanged ever since, this 320-meter long green park sits on a dramatic hilltop overlooking the sea. The Quadrado is surrounded by flowering trees and some 50 antique fisherman houses painted in bright colors (four of which are a part of UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa), as well as the small white 16th century São João Batista church.

All motor traffic is prohibited and during the day horses graze while children play, locals trade and socialize or make sport.

By evening the atmosphere turns festive with artists displaying their work, musicians playing and locals and visitors dancing and dining under the light of candles.