Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: Ruins of São Miguel das Missões, Brazil

São Miguel das Missões is a place of great history and culture. This Unesco World Heritage site is located in the municipality of São Miguel das Missões, in the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul state, in southern Brazil. The first thing visitors will come across at the site is an entrance portico that honours all missionaries.

The Ruins of São Miguel das Missões in Brazil lie at the heart of a tropical forest. They are the impressive remains of Jesuit missions, built in the land of the Guaranis during the 17th and 18th centuries. The site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1983.

The missions do not just represent Brazil they also depict a fascinating history that expanded across its borders.

The mission began around 1626 to 1634, when Jesuits from the Society of Jesus arrived on a mission to evangelize the native Indians. The presence of Portuguese and Spanish people became common in the area. As a result, 18 villages called Reductions were founded where Indians converted to Christianity and took up residence.

Unfortunately, these original Reductions were attacked and subsequently destroyed by explorers. In 1680, the Jesuits decided to return to the lands that currently are located in Rio Grande do Sul. There, another seven Reductions were founded and called the Seven Peoples of the Missions. These included São Miguel Arcanjo which ultimately became São Miguel das Missões.

The old town of São Miguel did not survive the wars that followed, however amongst the ruins there is a story still to be told.

Over the years, the archaeological ruins continue to report the events that happened in São Miguel das Missões. It is one of the most beautiful Jesuit missions in Brazil as well as paying testament to its history.

Unlike the destruction with the Reductions, São Miguel das Missões has been preserved by the Brazilian authorities. 

Among these incredible remains, there is a main church, which was the first missionary building to be constructed, with a supporting structure in sandstone, painted white with the spaces decorated with paintings and wooden sculptures.

Additionally, parts of the constructions such as foundations and bases of the indigenous dwellings, vegetable gardens, rain pipes and sacred objects can also be found. The ruins allow us to see a unique model of territorial occupation, which was made possible by the interaction and cultural exchange of native people and European missionaries.

With historical remains and current culture intertwined, São Miguel das Missões represents all of Rio Grande do Sul, rich in traditions and practices.

Culture and history are also part of the nightlife in São Miguel das Missões, which has a beautiful show of sound and light. It is even considered the longest running performance in Brazil. This show narrates the saga of Jesuits and Guarani Indians, especially the second missionary cycle: how the seven Peoples of the Missions emerged, developed and were destroyed.