Paraty is one of the first towns founded by the Portuguese colonists on the Brazilian territory. The settlement started functioning in 1530, when a church and an Atlantic port were built - the port was an important stop along the sea lane from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. The streets of the town were designed in such a way to let tidal water enter the town and take away all the waste. Thanks to that original solution this crowded merchant town was clean, and the pavements that were slightly above the streets could be still used, even when they were being washed by sea water. Paraty has retained its historic character and is a touristic pearl of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
