The Catedral Basílica de Salvador is one of the most important sacred buildings from Colonial Brazil. A testament to the history and Catholicism in the country, the temple also houses a collection of great value, including paintings by various 17th-century authors, jacaranda wood furniture, and several sacred objects made of […]
Salvador de Bahia
Salvador de Bahia: Rich culture and history
Salvador da Bahia, capital of the state of Bahia, is one of Brazil’s oldest and most vibrant cities, founded in 1549 by Tomé de Sousa.
Known for its unique blend of history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and religion, Salvador enchants visitors with its tropical climate, welcoming people and vibrant atmosphere.
Main Tourist Attractions
Salvador de Bahia is a city that combines history, vibrant culture, religiosity, music and incredible beaches, making it one of the richest and most fascinating destinations in Brazil.
1. Pelourinho
Pelourinho is the historic heart of Salvador, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its cobbled streets, baroque churches such as the Igreja de São Francisco and colourful mansions, the neighbourhood breathes history, culture and art.
Lacerda Elevator and Tomé de Souza Square
The Lacerda Elevator connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town and is one of the postcards of the city. From the Tomé de Souza Square you can admire the Rio Branco Palace and spectacular views over the Todos-os-Santos Bay.
2. Modelo Market
The Mercado Modelo, located in Cidade Baixa, is the perfect place to find Bahian handicrafts, typical clothes, souvenirs and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
3. Church of Bonfim
The Church of Senhor do Bonfim is a symbol of Bahian faith, famous for the colourful Bonfim ribbons and the traditional washing of the steps, which mixes Catholic religiosity with Afro-Brazilian practices.
4. Barra Lighthouse
The Barra Lighthouse is one of the oldest in Latin America and houses the Bahia Nautical Museum. The place is ideal for watching the sunset and enjoying the region’s urban beaches.
5. Salvador’s beaches
Salvador has beautiful beaches to suit all tastes, such as Praia do Porto da Barra, Praia de Stella Maris, Praia do Flamengo and the paradisiacal Ilha de Itaparica, accessible by ferry.
6. Culture and Fiestas
The city hosts important cultural events such as the Salvador Carnival, considered one of the biggest and liveliest in the world. Candomblé, Capoeira, Samba Reggae and Afro blocos such as Olodum and Ilê Aiyê are strong signs of local identity.
7. Gastronomy
Salvador’s cuisine is rich and varied, with dishes such as acarajé, moqueca baiana, vatapá, caruru and abará, always seasoned with plenty of palm oil and African influences.
Salvador de Bahia is a city that combines history, vibrant culture, religiosity, music and incredible beaches to make it one of the richest and most fascinating destinations in Brazil.
Discover the Magnificence of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat Fort
The Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat Fort, located in the city of Salvador, Bahia, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of colonial military architecture in Brazil. Considered an important tourist spot, the fort offers a combination of historical and cultural value and panoramic views that attract local […]
Solar do Unhão and the Museum of Modern Art in Salvador BA
History of Solar do Unhão, Salvador The history and architecture of Solar do Unhão date back to the 18th century and are located on the shores of Todos os Santos Bay in Salvador, Bahia. The architectural complex consists of the main house, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a […]
Tourist attractions in the Gamboa neighbourhood in Salvador BA
Gamboa neighbourhood: one of the best walks in Salvador The Gamboa neighbourhood of Salvador is a seaside community, inhabited for centuries by fishermen, located at the southwestern entrance of Todos os Santos Bay, close to the historic centre of the city. Gamboa – home to the parishes of Solar do […]
History and sights of Avenida Contorno in Salvador BA
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Palaces in Salvador to visit and learn about Brazil’s history
The palaces of Salvador de Bahia have hosted royalty, have a great history and today fulfil different functions. Some are used for weddings, others have become beautiful museums and some await an uncertain future. Discover the architecture and history of Salvador’s palaces 1. Palácio da Acclamação Considered one of the […]
Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia: História
Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia: A Historical and Architectural Heritage Site in Salvador The Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia of the Beach or Church o of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia is located in the Lower City of Salvador, Bahia, the Church of Our Lady […]
Convent and Church of Santa Teresa and its History
Convent and Church of Santa Teresa: A Cultural Heritage Site in Salvador, Bahia The Convent and Church of Santa Teresa in Salvador, Bahia, has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site. In 1665, a convent of Discalced Carmelites was founded in Bahia, the work being carried out by Brother José do […]
Bahia Art Museum (MAB): Learn about its history and collection
Bahia Art Museum: Salvador’s Oldest Museum The Bahia Art Museum (MAB) is the oldest art museum in the State of Bahia, located in Salvador, in the Vitória district, at Avenida Sete de Setembro, 2340, in the Corredor da Vitória. Founded in 1918, the museum is housed in the historic building […]
Learn about the history of the construction of the Lacerda Lift
Learn about the historical and architectural significance of the Lacerda Elevator, which connects the lower and upper parts of Salvador. The Lacerda Elevator is one of the most iconic landmarks in Salvador, Bahia and Brazil. In addition to its importance as an essential means of transport between Salvador’s lower and […]
Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat History
The Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat, originally called the Castle of São Felipe, is considered an extremely important example of our early fortified architecture, as it is the most archaic model of local defence that has survived without major alterations. In this respect, it is perhaps the oldest […]
Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra and Its Rich History
The Fort of Santo Antônio da Barra is one of the most important historical landmarks in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and is also known as the home of the Barra Lighthouse. This fort has a rich history linked to the defence of the city, the colonial period and navigation. Summary of […]
History of the São Marcelo Fort or Forte do Mar in Salvador
São Marcelo Fort, also known as “Forte do Mar”, is one of the most iconic historic buildings in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Its strategic location on a small island in Todos os Santos Bay, close to Salvador’s port, makes it one of the city’s most recognisable tourist attractions. A brief history […]
Nossa Senhora dos Mares Church: Gothic Architecture
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Church of the Third Order of St Francis History
History and Architecture of the Church of the Third Order of St Francis An outstanding example of Baroque architecture in Brazil, the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, located in Largo do Pelourinho, in Salvador, Bahia, had its foundation stone laid on 1 January 1702. Video – History […]
Rio Vermelho Neighbourhood in Salvador’s Nightlife
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is widely regarded as Salvador’s trendiest and most bohemian neighbourhood. It is a place that pulsates with life, offering a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It is also famous for being the best place in the city to try acarajés, a typical delicacy of Bahian cuisine. […]
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming places in Salvador
Ponta de Humaitá is one of Salvador’s most charming spots, located next to Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a privileged view of the Bay of All Saints, the place is especially known for its unforgettable sunsets. In the courtyard overlooking the sea are a church, a convent […]
Discover the reasons for a holiday in Salvador de Bahia
Sightseeing in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, offers a unique experience that combines history, culture, nature and a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. Salvador is a true living museum, reflecting Brazil’s rich history and cultural diversity. As a symbol of the miscegenation of creeds and ethnicities, Bahian culture stands out for its […]
Exploring the Architectural Marvels: Churches of Salvador
Religiosity is a strong characteristic of Salvadorans. This can be exemplified by the 160 churches scattered throughout Salvador da Bahia, tru e monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries that illustrate the power of Catholicism at the time. In addition to the religious temples, the Afro culture of candomblé is […]
Discover the Rich Heritage: 39 Museums in Salvador
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Discover the Charm of Parks and Squares in Salvador de Bahia
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History of the Forts and Lighthouses of Salvador
The construction of forts and lighthouses was motivated by the need to protect the city of Salvador and guarantee Portuguese sovereignty over the discovered territory. The choice of location for the city of Salvador also took religious aspects into account. As was said at the time, ‘the higher you built […]
Discover the Charm: A Tour of Interesting Places in Salvador
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, which makes it a tourist destination full of interesting places to explore. Beautiful beaches? Certainly, Salvador offers stunning beaches, such as Praia do Porto da Barra and Itapuã. But other cities also have beautiful beaches, […]
Tourist attractions for children in Salvador de Bahia
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Discover the 23 wonderful beaches of Salvador de Bahia
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What’s the best way to celebrate Carnival in Salvador de Bahia
The Salvador Carnival is one of the biggest popular festivals in Brazil, very well organized and bringing together more than 2.5 million revellers in the streets of Salvador. “Imagine that, what a crazy mix. Joy, joy is the state we call Bahia. Of all the saints, charms and axé. Sacred […]
Prostitution, Sex, Bars and Nightclubs in Salvador de Bahia
Salvador, one of Brazil’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, presents a wide range of experiences and practices related to prostitution, sex, massage parlours, bars and nightclubs. This scenario is shaped by the city’s diversity and the interaction between its various urban, cultural and social environments. General Context Prostitution in […]
Characteristics and History of the Church and Convent of São Francisco in Salvador
The Church and Convent of São Francisco, built in the 18th century, is one of the richest in Brazil and the most exuberant in Salvador. Some consider it to be the most beautiful example of Portuguese Baroque in the world. Its origins date back to 1686, following a project by […]
Tourist Attractions in Pelourinho and the Historic Centre of Salvador
Pelourinho is the name of a neighbourhood in the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, located in its Historic Centre, which has a preserved Portuguese Baroque colonial architectural complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural, landscape and town planning complex contained in the polygonal area of […]
History of the Founding of Salvador de Bahia
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Attractions in the Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia
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Secret History of Salvador de Bahia
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History of the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos in Salvador
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Discovering the Origins of the Senhor do Bonfim Ribbons
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History of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador
Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church isn’t the most beautiful, but it’s certainly the most famous in Salvador because of the traditional ‘Lavagem do Bonfim’, a celebration marked by Bahian women throwing water on the steps of the church in an all-day party animated by afoxé groups. Dorival Caymmi sang in […]