Located 30 km from Maceió, this charming colonial town on the banks of the Manguaba lagoon, was the first capital of Alagoas and the home town of Marshal Deodoro Fonseca. Founded by Franciscan monks, it has still preserved its colourful, beautiful little colonial houses and magnificent churches. In the São Francisco church, built in 1692, you can admire the woodwork of the chancel, vine leaf motifs and cherubims in the best Baroque style. Next to it, the Museum of Sacred Art exhibits an interesting collection of sculptures of saints in polychrome wood, silverware and jewellery.