A festival passing Basilica of Senhor do Bonfim in Pelhorinha District of Salvador da Bahia
Salvador da Bahia Attractions
The 8 Salvador da Bahia Attractions that travelers should visit, if possible.
Pelourinho
A Unesco World Cultural Heritage, this district in Salvador region is culturally rich and the home to historic monuments from the period between the 17th and 19th centuries. A cross on the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and immaculate churches will captivate you. It is a very popular destination with tourists looking for museums, theaters, churches, musical performances, local cuisine, and handicrafts. Don’t forget the local restaurants serving the best meals this side of creation. It is the best place to see African culture in music, dance, and cuisine. Try the acarajé, (a type of fritter made with black-eyed peas), caruru (made with okra, onions, shrimp, palm oil, and toasted nuts), and vatapá (a creamy dish made with shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground peanuts, and palm oil). They can be ordered in restaurants or bought straight from the baianas (Afro-Brazilian women who, since colonial times, have sold food on the streets of Salvador).
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São Francisco Church and Convent
It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World and on the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage List. Regardless of how we feel about the slavery that helped build it, this is one of the most spectacular churches in the world adorned inside with gold, silver and precious 18th-century tiles that tell the story of Saint Francis of Assisi’s birth. The tiles are decorated with sculpted wooden pieces coated with gold powder.
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Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People
The name says it all in this beautiful ancient church with a pastel bluish-purple facade. You can often see Black cultural events in front of the edifice.
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Mercado Modelo
Located in the lower waterfront of Salvador, Mercado is the most lively market in the city. Since locals shop here, local artwork & craft prices are as attractive as the building exterior. Most people take the Elevator Lacerda down to the market.
DAYS & HOURS: Daily 9am-11am.
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Casa do Rio Vermelho
This small museum was the former home of writers Jorge Amado & Zélia Gattai. It specializes in local art, books, and other exhibits related to their lives & work. This will give you a feel for the lives of some Black artists in Brazil.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
WEBSITE: http://casadoriovermelho.com.br
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Basilica of Senhor do Bonfim
In Salvador, Catholicism coexists with African religions, bringing together Iemanja and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Iansã and Saint Barbara, Our Lord of Bonfim and Oxala. This church was built in the 18th century and is a site of religious devotion and celebration in January — the Festa do Senhor do Bonfim. The church is the Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bonfim.
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Museum of Modern Art
Also called the “MAM” for Museu de Arte Moderna, this is a small seaside museum. The gallery selection is meager, but worth 45 minutes while strolling along the waterfront.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Thu 1pm-6pm, Fri 8pm-11 pm, Sun 2pm-5pm
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Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia
Located in Fort Santo Antonio da Barra, the 16th-century Portuguese military fort and lighthouse contrasts Barra Beach. The Maritime Museum of Bahia contains a rich collection of artifacts reflecting Brazil’s maritime history. A large treasure of archeological findings were retrieved from the undersea site of the Portuguese Galleon off the coast of the city of Salvador in 1668.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sun 9 am-6 pm only from January through July
WEBSITE: https://www.museunauticodabahia.org.br
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Salvador is also a gateway for those who intend to visit the Coconut Coast (Costa dos Coqueiros), the Palm Oil Coast (Costa do Dendê), and Chapada Diamantina National Park.
