The Gold Trail Historic-Ecological Site
Projects
The
research about the Gold trail initiated by Marcos Caetano Ribas in 1998 has
produced several important projects developed by Teatro Espaço's team.
One of these projects is the Gold Trail Historical-Ecological Site, created
in April 1999 by Marcos and Rachel Ribas and Inez Petri. It is a cultural
project supported by the touristic activity it generates. Its main objective
is, besides preserving the history and nature enclosed in the area, to
inform the visitors about this historical and natural heritage through
exhibits, folders and specialized guides. One of its most successful
extension is the 'Schools in the Gold Trail' project, which has taken
youngsters from the public schools of Paraty on a free, fun tour of the gold
trail. About 2400 students have done this tour since 2002.
Also of great importance was the Project 'Paraty Registry of the Gold Trail'
an archeological study of the ruins found in the Gold trail farm. Supported
by the Historical Institute and the Ministry of Culture and with technical/professional
help (an archeologist, two architects, a historian and an environment
consultant) this project involved not only field archeological work but also
the research and discovery of important documents that enlightened the
history of this part of the gold trail.
Amply publicized by printed and electronic media, the Gold Trail
Historical-Ecological Site is also mentioned in the main national and
international guidebooks (Quatro Rodas, Lonely Planet, South American
Handbook, among others) and attracts each year a growing number of Brazilian
and foreign tourists eager to see the exuberance of the Atlantic forest and
this piece of Brazilian history.
This project is currently being used in Paraty's candidacy for UNESCO´s
World Heritage title.
Installation, in April 1999, of the Gold Trail Historical-Ecological Site, an open air museum visited by Brazilian and foreign tourists and by school groups. At the moment the project contains 600m of cleared and restored trail, restaurant, guest-house, waterfall, lookouts, historical exhibit, visitation of the ruins of the 18th century Registry House (toll house), archeological exhibit, informative banners, signs, organized tour with transportation by safari jeep, trekking accompanied by muleteer and 'frigi-donkey' and guided bilingual tours for groups.
Creation of the website www.caminhodoouro.com.br, with historical and touristic information, maps, sale of books about the gold trail, information about tour for schools, etc.
Publication, in June 2001, of the book Descaminhos, by Marcos Caetano Ribas, a novel based in historical research. Three stories that take place along the gold trail. One happens in the 17th century, another in the 18th century and another in the 19th century.
Production of the theater piece Descaminhos, based on the book by the same name, sponsored by Petrobras, which was the highlight of the celebration of Grupo Contadores de Estórias' 30th anniversary in 2001. It was covered by the main national newspapers.
Project Paraty Registry of the Gold Trail, archeological study of ruins found in the Gold Trail Historical-Ecological Site, sponsored by Petrobras and supported by the Historical Institute and the Ministry of Culture, from March to July 2002, coordinated by Teatro Espaço and with the participation of a team of experts composed of an archeologist, two architects, a historian, an environment consultant, a photographer and a video maker, among others.
Project 'Schools
on the Gold Trail', sponsored by Petrobras, which, from March to July 2002
took 1,408 students and several teachers from the public schools of Paraty
to visit the Gold Trail. This is a social-oriented project aiming at
increasing the sense of citizenship of local youngsters and at preserving
the town's memory.
This project is also done, since 2001, with private schools that visit
Paraty.
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Production of the exhibit The History of the Gold trail in Paraty, which portrays, through the use of maps, sets, puppets and miniatures, the history of the trail since its beginning as a Goiana Indian path to present times.
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Publication, in May 2003,
of the book 'The History of the Gold Trail in Paraty', by Marcos Caetano
Ribas.
Publishing, in May 2003 of the book 'The History of the Gold trail in
Paraty', by Marcos Caetano Ribas, according to the newspaper O Estado de São
Paulo “…a pleasant retrospective of dates, historical facts, regional,
cultural and economic aspects which help understand the importance of this
road that connected Paraty
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Lecture-demonstration 'The History of the Gold trail in Paraty', by Marcos Caetano Ribas, which uses narration, music, projections and scenes with puppets, presented for the first time in June 2003, as part of the 17th Symposium of the Paraiba River Valley History, that took place in Paraty