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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.
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- 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.
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Aug 3, 2012 · Discover Salvador, the pulsating heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, with its historic buildings, festivals, beaches and more. Find attractions, activities, articles and guidebooks to plan your trip with Lonely Planet.
Mar 8, 2017 · Salvador is an enchanting colonial city on Brazil’s north-eastern coast. The capital city of Bahia, it offers great nightlife and gorgeous coastal views, but there’s a few tips you should know before you go. Check out Culture Trip’s top things to be aware of before traveling to Salvador.
Apr 12, 2022 · Architecturally rich and culturally diverse, Brazil’s first capital city has it all. From old colonial buildings to eccentric markets, stunning natural features to the world’s first outdoor lift, as well as museums, churches and galleries, Salvador’s best sights will have you raring to get started.
What is there to do in Salvador? When is the cheapest time to visit Salvador? Salvador Tourism: Tripadvisor has 330,517 reviews of Salvador Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Salvador resource.
