Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim,...
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.
- Overview
- History
- The contemporary city
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
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Aug 3, 2012 · Once Portugal's colonial capital, today Salvador is the pulsating heart of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community. Festivals happen frequently, with drum corps pounding out rhythms against the backdrop of historic buildings almost daily.
Brazil's former capital is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Known as "the Capital of Joy," because of its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, Salvador brims with contemporary music and art amid architecture that has gone untouched since the 17th century.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Salvador, which include: Catussaba Resort HotelGran Hotel Stella Maris Urban Resort & Con...
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Salvador include: Restaurante OrigemPelo BistroCoco Bambu BahiaDona SuzanaCuco Bistro
- Salvador is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: PelourinhoIlha dos FradesPraia do ForteFlamengo BeachSao Francisco Church and...
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Salvador: Private City Tour in SalvadorParadise Morro de São Paul...
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Salvador between September and November, when hotel prices a...
- 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.
General information. What to do in Salvador. 1) Get to know Salvador’s main tourist attractions. 2) Relax on the edge of Salvador Beaches. 3) Strengthen your faith. 4) Go for the Bahian cuisine. 5) Enjoy the sunset. 6) Visit museums in Salvador. 7) Enjoy the benefits of Salvador’s best neighborhoods. 8) Volunteer in Salvador – Brazil.
Mar 7, 2019 · If you’re looking for Brazil’s home of rhythm and soul, Salvador is the place to go. Wild festivals and capoeira circles burst to life every night in colorful neighborhood plazas, while the delicious scent of freshly-cooked acarajé fills the evening air.
