exoticca.com has been visited by 10K+ users in the past month
Enjoy our most exclusive experiences in Brazil with English guides and Premium hotels. Your dream Holiday Package to Brazil includes all Flights, Hotels & Activities.
- LAST-MINUTE Best Deals
Enjoy an incredible trip
at an amazing price
- Africa Tours & Safaris
Witness the African diversity
of wildlife & amazing landscapes.
- South America Trip
Natural Wonders of South America in
17 Days! Chile, Argentina & Brazil.
- What to see in Brazil?
Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Amazon &
Iguazu Falls. Check out our Trips!
- LAST-MINUTE Best Deals
getyourguide.com has been visited by 1M+ users in the past month
Discover the top-rated tours with flexible cancellation and our best-price guarantee. Conveniently book, receive confirmation, and download your tickets on your mobile device.
- www.hometogo.com/Salvador/VacationRentals
AdVacation Rentals in Salvador - Salvador up to 75% Off Now
HomeToGo®: Easy Multi-Site Price Comparison. Search and Save Up to 75% Now! Compare the Best Vacation Rentals in Salvador from the Largest Selection.
Ready to take vacation rental metasearch global - Tnooz
Over 40 Years Expertise In Escorted Tours. Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended. Secure Your Dream Holiday With Titan Travel.
Search results
Situated in the Zona da Mata in the Northeast Region of Brazil, Salvador is recognized throughout the country and internationally for its cuisine, music, and architecture. The African influence in many cultural aspects of the city makes it a center of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Aug 3, 2012 · Discover Salvador, the pulsating heart of Afro-Brazilian culture and history, with its colorful colonial buildings, festivals, Candomblé ceremonies and tropical coastline. Find attractions, articles, activities and tips for your trip to Salvador.
- Walk the Cobblestone Streets of Pelourinho. You didn’t visit Salvador if you didn’t wander through the streets of Pelourinho. It’s such a unique place that you’ll absolutely want to take the time to walk the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho.
- Ride the Lacerda Lift. Easily one of the most popular Brazilian landmarks and places to go in Salvador is the Lacerda Lift. It has tons of history dating back to the 17th century when an old pulley system was put in place here to help move objects from the Lower City to the Upper City.
- Visit the Cathedral of Salvador. If you’re looking for things to do in Salvador, consider visiting the Cathedral of Salvador. This church was built in the 17th century and is an excellent example of the Baroque style of architecture.
- See a Performance at the Bahian Folklore Ballet. For a unique cultural experience, you absolutely must see a performance! The Bahian Folklore Ballet was created years ago and is now one of the most important theatrical traditions in Salvador because of the passion and energy of the performers.
- Overview
- History
- The contemporary city
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Salvador, city, major port, and capital (since 1889) of Bahia estado (state), northeastern Brazil. It is the country’s third largest city. Salvador is situated at the southern tip of a picturesque, bluff-formed peninsula that separates Todos os Santos (All Saints) Bay, a deep natural harbour, from the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a hot tropical cli...
One of the country’s oldest cities, Salvador was founded in 1549 as the capital of the Portuguese colony of Brazil by Tomé de Sousa, the first governor-general. As the entrepôt of the thriving sugar trade that developed along the bay shores, the city soon became a tempting prize for pirates and enemies of Portugal. It was captured by Dutch forces in 1624 but was retaken the following year. It remained under Portuguese control for the next two centuries. Salvador was the last Portuguese stronghold during the war for Brazilian independence, holding out until July 1823, when the last Portuguese troops were expelled. A monument commemorating the Brazilian victory is in a plaza in the Campo Grande district.
Salvador was a major centre for the African slave trade in the colonial period. Muslim African slaves in the city staged a widespread revolt there in 1835. Salvador still has one of the largest concentrations of black and mulatto populations in Brazil. Those groups have contributed many of the folkways, costumes, and distinctive foods for which the city is noted.
Imports consist chiefly of manufactured goods, while exports include tobacco, sugar, sisal, hides, castor beans, aluminum, iron ore, and petroleum from the nearby Candeias oil field. Food and tobacco processing, textile, ceramics, and automobile manufacturing, chemical production, metallurgy, woodworking and leatherworking, and shipbuilding and repair are Salvador’s main industries. The port of Salvador is one of the finest in Brazil and includes a yacht harbour. Salvador is well served by domestic and foreign shipping lines and airlines, and there are rail and bus connections with central and southern Brazil. An international airport is located about 12 miles (20 km) northeast of the city centre. Tourism, based on the city’s historic sites and the fine beaches that ring it on three sides, has become a significant component of the economy.
A distinctive feature of Salvador is its division into lower (cidade baixa) and upper (cidade alta) parts. The port, commercial district, and adjoining residential zones lie at the foot of a cliff on a low shelf of land facing west onto the bay, only a few feet above sea level. The principal shopping districts, state and municipal government offices, and leading residential areas are on the upper level, extending northward for several miles and eastward to the Atlantic shore. In addition, most of the city’s historic sights are near the edge of the upper city. The old city centre, the Pelourinho (“Pillory”), was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The area underwent considerable restoration work in the 1990s, and many colonial-era buildings were preserved. The upper and lower sections are connected by a few graded winding roads, a funicular railway, and several elevators. The Lacerda elevator, an outstanding landmark, is the chief link, lifting passengers 234 feet (71 metres) between the separate streetcar systems.
Are you a student? Get Britannica Premium for only 24.95 - a 67% discount!
Learn More
Salvador is the third largest city and capital of Bahia state in northeastern Brazil. It has a rich colonial heritage, a diverse population, and a vibrant cultural scene. Learn more about its history, geography, economy, and tourism.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Get to know Salvador’s main tourist attractions. Mercado Modelo. The Mercado Modelo is in the lower part of the city and it is one of the entrances to the Historic Center.
- Relax on the edge of Salvador Beaches. If you are in doubt about what to do in Salvador on a sunny day, don’t worry. The beaches in the Bahian capital provide a variety of activities.
- Strengthen your faith. It can be in some of the 372 catholic churches or in some terreiro, a space dedicated to the candomblé’s orixás, the faith is part of the Bahian culture.
- Go for the Bahian cuisine. Leave your diet aside and enjoy the delights of Bahia. In moderation, of course. 😅. Traditional food. The Bahian food is delicious and unique.
People also ask
Where is Salvador in Brazil?
Is Salvador a city or city?
What is Salvador known for?
Why should you visit Salvador da Bahia?
Discover the best attractions in Salvador including Igreja NS do Bonfim, Pelourinho, and Museu Náutico da Bahia.
Jan 17, 2023 · Today, Salvador is considered the Afro-Brazilian capital, with roughly 80% of residents tracing their roots to Africa. The city's unique culture is a testament to the strength and courage of its...
Exclusive Savings - Free to Book & Cancel - Compare Car Rental Discounts!
Best Flight Deals? Take Big Discount Now. Don't miss. Flight For Brazil. Cheapest Flight Deals? Last Minute Price Drops on Intl. & Domestic Airfare. Compare Today!
- Spring Sale: Up to 45% off One Way Flights
Book Your Hotel in Salvador. Browse Reviews & Photos. Check Out Our Price Guarantee. Great Deals to Send Your Loved Ones Somewhere Nice and Close or Far. Your Choice.
