Description
The capital city of Bahia, the fourth-largest Brazilian state, Salvador is a bustling urban centre boasting impressive colonial architecture, stunning Baroque-style churches, and breathtaking scenery. Spread across a peninsula separating the beautiful Bay of All Saints with the South Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find both a charming waterfront and incredible beaches here – with the hot tropical climate making sun-soaking on the golden sand all-the-more alluring. However, there’s also a lot of history to uncover here, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied if sunbathing isn’t something you want to spend your time doing. One of Brazil’s oldest cities, and an important port during the African slave trade, you’ll find a fantastic blend of cultures and cuisines in Salvador – things that only make visits here even more memorable.
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Things to do
Elevador Lacerda
At a passing glance, the unassuming Elevador Lacerda is a simple public lift used to transport locals and tourists from the lower city to the upper city; however, the views of Salvador this urban elevator affords you are simply extraordinary. Built between 1869 and 1873 as a hydraulic elevator, which now runs on electricity, it only takes 30 seconds to ride – but you’ll remember the views from the top of this 72-metre tower forever.
Cathedral Basilica of Salvador
Located in the heart of Salvador, the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador is one of the finest examples of Mannerism Renaissance architecture in the Portuguese empire and a church near-identical to the famous Jesuit Church of Coimbra in Portugal itself. Opening onto a broad plaza, and overlooking the Bay of All Saints to its rear, this is a must-visit landmark for anyone interested in religious and historical sites. Consecrated in 1654, it’s one of the oldest structures in the city and boasts an elegant interior with a shallow main chapel.
Porto da Barra Beach
A scenic stretch of sand on Salvador’s western coast, Porto da Barra Beach boasts calm waters and golden sands, making it a great destination for swimming and watersports alongside lounging around in the sunshine. It’s also surrounded by restaurants and bars, so you’ll never be too far away from some delicious local cuisine and refreshments. If you’re looking to spend a day at the beach while in Salvador, this is the place to be.