The small whitewashed church on the hilltop is the oldest building in Arraial and the reason the village exists. Founded in the mid-1500s by Jesuits, it sits at the end of a steep cobbled climb from the riverside, and from its terrace you get the best view in the village — south along the cliffs, across the river to Porto Seguro, and out to the Atlantic.
The interior is modest: simple altar, painted wood ceiling, a few old religious images. Most visitors come for the square in front, which fills with cafe tables in the evening, and for the sunset light on the church facade. The festival of Nossa Senhora d'Ajuda in August fills the square with processions, fireworks, and live music for a week.