Salvador, Brazil
Salvador, the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia, is known for its
Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and a tropical
coastline. It is the country’s third largest city. Mini History: Salvador was
founded in 1549 as the capital of the Portuguese colony of Brazil by Tomé de
Sousa (the first governor-general), which makes Salvador one of Brazil’s oldest
cities. 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.
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. In 1763, following
the transfer of the colonial seat of government to Rio de Janeiro, Salvador lost
political preeminence and entered a long period of economic decline from which
it did not emerge until after 1900. Since 1940, however, Salvador has
experienced continuous and rapid population growth, accompanied by significant
economic expansion, reflected in extensive public works and private
construction. In the early 1970s the nearby Aratu Industrial Centre and the
Camacari petrochemical complex were built and linked to Salvador by highway. The
first terminal of a deepwater port was opened in 1975, and additional facilities
were subsequently built. Things to do: 1. Historical center/city tour 2. Wonder
through the streets of Pelourinho. This area of Salvador is known for its arts
and culture, and a lot of Portuguese influence can be found here. The buildings
here are also extremely bright and colourful. Historically, this area is where
slaves brought from western Africa were sold at auction, and that history
shouldn’t be forgotten when visiting Pelourinho. Today it’s classified as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the historic city center because
Salvador is notable as one of the major points of convergence of European,
African, and American Indian cultures of the 16th to 18th centuries. 3. 3. Every
Tuesday, Olodum (or similar bands) takes over the streets of Pelô to dance and
parade to the rhythm of the drums. The music begins at around 7:00 pm in front
of the Jorge Amado Museum. Then, the musicians walk through the streets of Pelô
performing a unique Afro-Brazilian show. This spectacle usually gets crowded
with tourists, and pickpockets take the opportunity to get up to their old
tricks. Be aware of your belongings, and take only a few bucks to get some
drinks. 4. 4. Lacerda Lift: Art-deco elevator. Best views of the bay (ama aşırı
turistik, özellikle gün batışı izlemek için ünlü bir yermiş.. pickpocketlere
dikkat) The ride costs only a few cents and leaves you in front of Mercado
Modelo. Formerly, this market was a very important center of supply in the lower
part of the city. Today, it’s a place to buy souvenirs. 5. 5. Cathedral of
Salvador 6. 6. 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. 7. 7. Rio Branco Palace 8. 8. Wander through the
Rio Vermelho District: cobblestone streets, plentiful beaches (some used mainly
by small-craft fishermen), and an abundance of stylish hotels, music venues, art
spaces, and restaurants 9. 9. Feira de São Joaquim: city’s largest free market.
Its corridors form a giant maze where you can take a deep dive, without filters
and cutouts, into the Bahian culture soul. 10. 10. Barra lighthouse 11. 11.
Bahia modern art museum 12. 12. Watch the Sunset at Ponta do Humaitá Around
Salvador: 13. Chapada Diamantina national Park 14. Morro de São Paulo 15.
IMBASSAI 16. ITACARÉ Transport: Although Salvador has a metro system, it doesn’t
go to any places of tourist interest. Therefore, most visitors don’t take the
metro during their stay in the city. The buses reach practically every
neighbourhood in the city. A line connects Pelourinho with Barra, facilitating
access between the beaches and the colonial quarter. It’s safe, and you can pay
the driver directly without needing a special card. The only problem is the
frequency (every 30-40 minutes). Links: o
https://www.travelsauro.com/things-to-do-salvador-bahia/ o
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-salvador/