The Porto do Jacaré, the old port of the city, is located on the river arm of the same name and was built in the 18th century. It was the former trading center and the transshipment point for the products of the Alcântara area and is still a mooring point for ships, especially to and from São Luís. In the past and today there is a market and warehouses here, as well as mansions from the 18th century. The Porto do Jacaré is also the setting for many folk festivals. The Ladeira do Jacaré leads from the harbor up a hill into the city center.