Salvador de Bahia

About Salvador de Bahia

Salvador de Bahia is Brazil's first colonial capital and the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, with ships docking below the Pelourinho historic district. The UNESCO-listed upper town is reached from the waterfront by the Elevador Lacerda. Pelourinho's pastel baroque churches, capoeira demonstrations, and candomblé-influenced music make for an immersive self-guided day. Excursions fan out to Itaparica Island by catamaran.

• Salvador was the first capital of Colonial Brazil, founded in 1549, and is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
• Its Historic Centre (Pelourinho) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and features colonial architecture dating from the 17th to early 20th century.
• Salvador's Carnival is recognised by Guinness World Records as the biggest street party in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.
• The city holds the title of UNESCO City of Music — the only Brazilian city to receive this designation — reflecting its deep roots in Afro-Brazilian music and culture.
• Salvador sits on a dramatic escarpment dividing an Upper Town (Cidade Alta) and Lower Town (Cidade Baixa), historically connected by the famous Lacerda Elevator.