Discover Salvador: A Guide to the Historic Heart of Brazil

Salvador, the capital of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, is a city steeped in history. As the first colonial capital of Brazil, founded in 1549, it boasts a wealth of 17th and 18th-century architecture that has garnered a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The city's African heritage, a legacy of its past as a major port in the transatlantic slave trade, is evident in its vibrant culture, from music and festivals to cuisine and religion.

For a curated list of must-see spots in Salvador, check out the top attractions in Salvador.

1. Pelourinho

Pelourinho, the heart of Salvador's Cidade Alta (Upper Town), is a treasure trove of Latin America's finest colonial buildings, meriting its UNESCO World Heritage site status. Notable sites include the Museu da Cidade and the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, which showcase sacred and folk art within a 1701 mansion. The Casa do Benin celebrates the culture of the Benin kingdom, reflecting the origins of many African slaves brought to Bahia.

2. São Francisco

The São Francisco church is a masterpiece of gold-covered woodwork, with a two-year gilding process for the high altar alone. Built between 1708 and 1750, it features a mix of Mannerist and Baroque styles, with azulejo-tiled pictures and a richly decorated adjoining cloister.

3. Elevador Lacerda (Elevator to Upper Town)

The Elevador Lacerda, an Art Deco elevator from 1930, connects the lower and upper parts of Salvador, offering stunning views of the city and harbor. Nearby, the historic Palácio Rio Branco stands as a testament to Brazil's past.

4. Cathedral

The cathedral, with its stone façade and Baroque interior, dates back to the early 17th century. Its side chapels and sacristy feature a variety of art and 17th-century azulejos.

5. Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo (Carmelite Church)

The Carmelite Church, rebuilt in the 19th century, is renowned for its Baroque architecture and a sacristy lined with gold. It houses a museum with a notable cedarwood sculpture adorned with over 1,000 rubies.

6. Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim

The Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim is famous for its room of ex-votos and the vibrant Festa do Bonfim, a festival featuring local food, dance, and capoeira performances.

7. Farol da Barra

The Farol da Barra lighthouse is a historic site and a local favorite for its beach, views, and the Nautical Museum of Bahia housed in Brazil's oldest military fort.

8. Beaches

Salvador's peninsula geography offers a variety of beaches, from the calm bay side to the surfer-friendly open ocean. Notable beaches include Porto da Barra, Praia do Farol da Barra, and the palm-lined islands of Tinharé and Boipeba.

9. Mercado Modela and Cidade Baixa (Lower Town)

The Mercado Modela, once a customs house for incoming slaves, is now a bustling market with a mix of tourist and local activity. Nearby, the Baroque church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia and several museums offer cultural insights.

10. Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos

This church, built by and for the black community, took nearly a century to complete and features 18th-century black saints' statues and a slave cemetery.

11. Santa Teresa and the Museum of Sacred Art

The church of Santa Teresa, alongside the Museum of Sacred Art, showcases a vast collection of religious art, including works by notable colonial artists.

Where to Stay in Salvador for Sightseeing

For a comfortable stay, consider these hotels near Salvador's historical attractions:

• Villa Bahia: A luxury boutique hotel with an old town location, antique furniture, and an outdoor pool.
• Pousada Bahia Pelô: A boutique hotel offering a personal atmosphere and unique rooms.
• Wish Hotel da Bahia: A mid-range hotel with excellent service, pools, a fitness center, and a spa.
• Bahiacafe Hotel: A budget-friendly option in a colonial-style building with colorful decor.