historic center · Cáceres, MT
Centro Histórico
On the banks of the Paraguay River, the core of the city founded in 1778 was listed as a national heritage site in 2010. It has mansions in colonial, Neoclassical, Art Deco and Neo-Gothic styles, such as Casa Dulce, from 1871.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Centro Histórico
The Centro Histórico of Cáceres is the city's old core, on the bank of the Paraguay River, in western Mato Grosso. Its streets, squares and mansions preserve the memory of the time when the river was the region's main highway, bringing people, goods and outside influences.
The city was founded in 1778 as Vila Maria do Paraguai, in honor of Queen Maria I of Portugal, and was later renamed São Luiz de Cáceres and then simply Cáceres. In 2010, the ensemble was recognized as Brazilian cultural heritage by Iphan (the national heritage institute).
The starting point is Praça Barão do Rio Branco, a tree-lined square surrounded by old buildings. On one side stands the Neo-Gothic Catedral de São Luiz, with the Marco do Jauru in front, a monument linked to the boundary treaties between Portugal and Spain. In the nearby streets you see simple colonial facades and eclectic mansions with tall parapets, many of them former merchants' houses.
You explore on foot, and it combines well with a walk to the bank of the Paraguay River. It appeals to anyone who enjoys history, architecture and photography, and it is a good stop if you are passing through Cáceres on the way to the Pantanal.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to stroll around the square, see the cathedral and explore the nearby streets.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the heat eases and the low light shows off the facades; the dry season, from May to September, has less rain for walking.
How to get there
It is in downtown Cáceres, by the Paraguay River, about 220 km from Cuiabá. From Praça Barão do Rio Branco, everything is within walking distance.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: Cáceres is hot year-round, and the shade of the trees in the square is the best place to take a break.
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
What is there to see in the historic center of Cáceres?
Praça Barão do Rio Branco, the Catedral de São Luiz, the Marco do Jauru and the old mansions on the nearby streets, plus the bank of the Paraguay River.
Is the historic center of Cáceres a heritage site?
Yes. In 2010 the ensemble was recognized by Iphan (the national heritage institute) as Brazilian cultural heritage.
When was Cáceres founded?
In 1778, under the name Vila Maria do Paraguai, in honor of Queen Maria I of Portugal.
What is the Marco do Jauru?
A stone monument in front of the cathedral, linked to the boundary treaties between the crowns of Portugal and Spain.
Can you explore the historic center on foot?
Yes. The square, cathedral and mansions are close together, and the walk takes one to two hours.