Penedo

Penedo (population 41,000), known as the capital of the lower Rio Sao Francisco, is a fascinating colonial city almost untouched by tourism. Attractions include many baroque churches and colonial buildings and the opportunity to travel on the river. Penedo bustles with people from the surrounding villages who come to buy and sell goods. There's a helpful tourist office (open 8 am to 6 pm daily) with good maps in the Casa da Aposentadoria (Ph: Oxx82 551 2728) on Praqa Barao de Penedo. Portuguesespeaking guides are available for a onehour walking tour of the town.