historic center · Lençóis, BA
Centro Histórico
Formed during the diamond rush that began in 1845, the 19th-century ensemble of houses was protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute) in 1973 and includes about 570 buildings. The adobe and stone buildings have colorful facades and irregular streets that follow the slope of the mountains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro Histórico
The Historic Center of Lençóis is the ensemble of 19th-century mansions and townhouses that grew out of the diamond rush in Chapada Diamantina. The town took shape from 1845, with the arrival of the miners, and in the second half of that century it became one of the largest diamond producers in the world and one of the most important cities in Bahia.
The wealth brought trade with Europe, large houses and even a French vice-consulate. When the diamonds ran out, the town stood still in time, and the old houses remained. In 1973, the architectural and landscape ensemble was protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute).
You explore on foot, along irregular stone streets that follow the terrain, some with the bedrock itself serving as pavement. The facades are colorful, and the landmarks are Praça Horácio de Matos, surrounded by mansions, the Mercado Municipal (market), the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (church) and the Lençóis River, which runs through town over rock slabs.
At night, the action centers on the bars and restaurants set in the old mansions. The steep streets and stone paving call for comfortable shoes and care for people who have difficulty walking.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Two hours is enough to walk the main streets, see the squares and reach the riverside; coming back at night for dinner completes the visit.
Best time
Late afternoon and early evening are the most beautiful times, with soft light on the facades and the buzz of the bars and restaurants.
How to get there
The historic center is downtown Lençóis itself, in the heart of Chapada Diamantina, near the BR-242. Within town, you can do everything on foot.
Tip
Many famous trails, such as Serrano and Ribeirão do Meio, start on foot from downtown. You can spend the day in nature and come back for dinner among the old houses without taking a car.
A look at the place
Centro Histórico in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro Histórico
Is the Historic Center of Lençóis a protected heritage site?
Yes. The architectural and landscape ensemble of Lençóis was protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute) in 1973.
Why is the town called Lençóis?
There are two explanations: the miners' white cloth tents, which looked like sheets (lençóis) spread out, and the white foam of the Lençóis River rushing over the rocks when it floods.
Is there a fee to visit the historic center?
No. The streets and squares are public and the walking tour is free.
How long does it take to see downtown Lençóis?
About two hours is enough for the main streets, the squares and the riverside. Many people come back at night for the bars and restaurants.
Can I go hiking on foot from downtown?
Yes. Serrano, with Salão de Areias Coloridas, and Ribeirão do Meio start on foot from town.