Hermitage of Saint Anthony of Guaibê

The Hermitage of Saint Anthony of Guaibê (Ermida de Santo Antônio do Guaibê) was a chapel built in the 16th century in the extreme north of Guarujá, next to the Bertioga canal. It was one of the first churches in Brazil, attended by Father Anchieta, who said masses and catechized members of the tribes native to the land.

It was built by José Adorno, a genoese nobleman who came to Brazil in 1531 to establish the sugar industry and who soon became the richest man of the village of São Vicente. The chapel is made of midden stones and whale oil with shells.

Between 1569 and 1578, Father Anchieta is said to have witnessed the Miracle of Light there, when the chapel illuminated from within. 

Today, the ruins of the chapel can still be seen by adventurers. Since its renovation in the 18th century, it has been left abandoned, with public authorities clearing vegetation on very rare occasions.  

Access to the Hermitage is via the Ruin Trail (Trilha das Ruínas), which begins on Rodovia Ariovaldo de Almeida Viana, on the Guarujá-Bertioga road. Acces is free and the path runs through a preserved area of ​​the Atlantic Forest.