São José de Ribamar

Facing the Bay of São José on the eastern tip of Upaon-Açu Island, this coastal city in Maranhão is home to one of the most important Catholic sanctuaries in northern and northeastern Brazil, dedicated to São José de Ribamar — patron saint of the state. The city's name traces to a legend in which a Portuguese captain, saved from shipwreck through faith in Saint Joseph, brought the devotion ashore. São Luís, a UNESCO World Heritage city, lies within the wider metropolitan area.

• Population244,579
• Nearest water from center 0.9 km0.6 mi