Best places to visit in Salvador, Brazil!

If you love beaches, samba, warm weather and have a great interest in history, Salvador is the ideal place for you! The first capital of Brazil has places rich in memories from the country’s discovery and cultural diversity. Its beautiful bays, cultural monuments, exuberant nature, and friendly and cheerful inhabitants make the trip to Salvador simply unforgettable^[1]Grimond, G. (2017, July 3). 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Salvador. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-salvador/! In today’s post, we will tell you what are the 7 places you can’t miss in this city!

1. PELOURINHO

An UNESCO World Heritage site, Pelourinho is a place full of memories from the 16th century! One of the first places where Portuguese Jesuits settled, its name means “pillory”, due to the fact that slaves were flogged there. But despite the tragic luggage the name carries, Pelourinho is rich in colourful European architecture and its streets are stage to several artistic interventions! 

2. FAROL DA BARRA – BARRA LIGHTHOUSE

A black and white lighthouse from the 17th century, Farol da Barra has since guided sailors from all around the world to the Bay of All Saints! Today, the lighthouse still lights up in the morning and in the evening. You can watch it by visiting the Nautical Museum of Salvador and climbing all the way to the top! Cool, right?

3. FUNDAÇÃO CASA DE JORGE AMADO

If you aren’t a bookworm with a particular interest in Brazilian literature, odds are you have never heard of Jorge Amado before. One of the most renowned writers from Bahia, Amado is extremely famous all around the country due to his life-changing novels (Capitães da Areia and Gabriela, Cravo e Canela are some of his well-known books)! 

The author was born in Bahia and lived most of his life in Salvador! That’s why, as a symbol of his importance, the government started the “Casa de Jorge Amado” foundation, a cultural institution that has many activities and preserves documentation about Jorge. Right in front of “Largo do Pelourinho”, in the Foundation you will be able to find several things to see and do!

4. PALÁCIO RIO BRANCO – RIO BRANCO PALACE

For all architecture fans out there, Rio Branco Palace is a must-see! One of the oldest palaces in Brazil, it was built in 1549 and has been restored several times over the years. Rio Branco Palace has been home to many governors of Bahia and, nowadays, it is open to visitors! There you will find documentation, photographs and mobilia from different moments of Brazilian history!

5. ELEVADOR LACERDA – LACERDA ELEVATOR

If this information hasn’t been given to you yet, Salvador is a city with two “levels” – cidade alta and cidade baixa. As a way to connect both parts of town, an 85-meter elevator was built in 1873! Tourists from all over the world are able to go from one part of the city to another and enjoy all the wonders and views the city has to offer! Oh, and the elevator trip is just 30 seconds (crazy, isn’t it?)!

6. BAÍA DE TODOS OS SANTOS – BAY OF ALL SAINTS

The largest bay in the whole country, Baía de Todos os Santos is one of the most important places from Brazil’s history! The place is responsible for how the whole town of Salvador was built and contributed (and contributes!) to the establishment of the country as a trading hub. Every day, several tourists visit the bay to watch the privileged sunset the position of the place offers! Be sure not to miss it!

7. IGREJA DO NOSSO SENHOR DO BONFIM – NOSSO SENHOR DO BONFIM CHURCH

Due to the settlement of Jesuit missionaries at the beginning of Brazilian colonization, Salvador is a city with hundreds of churches. However, from all of them, the most popular is Nosso Senhor do Bonfim church! And if you think the place only represents the Catholic church, you are mistaken! Throughout the years, it has become a symbol of the unity between Catholicism and Candomble, a religion originated in the African continent! 

Bonus tip: if you go there, don’t forget to buy the famous Nosso Senhor do Bonfim ribbons! The legend says that when knitting the ribbon, you must make a wish. When the ribbon falls, it’s because your wish will be fulfilled!

From the description of the places above, you can see how historical and culturally rich Salvador is! When you come to Brazil, make sure to include the city on your list! And until you can visit it, be sure to go to Metro Brazil’s website and check out a variety of products from different Brazilian brands! They will give you a taste of this beautiful country’s preciousness!