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Salvador of Bahia
Founded as São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, San Salvador de la Bahía de Todos os Santos, is a city and municipality Brazilian , capital of condition from Bay and first capital of Colonial Brazil . Its inhabitants are called soteropolitans. Is the most populous regional metropolis in Northeast Brazil and the third most populous in the country. It is divided into upper city and lower city, with the cathedral and the administrative center in the first. The city still preserves many colonial buildings, including the first cathedral in Brazil and the first faculty of medicine . Visiting it is a must for the unique cultural diversity that is expressed in the mixture of native, European and African traditions. This diversity is reflected in its gastronomy, folklore and in its craft production. It is a charming city that has everything to enjoy: culture, history, tradition, art, music, fun, gastronomy, but above all in Salvador de Bahia you feel the heart of Brazil beating.
I want to stop to remember my happy 15 years lived in that majestic and joyful city that I consider my second home. As the great Paulinho Boca de Cantor said, one of the most famous singers in Bahia and Brazil, when from his trioelectric at a carnival he introduces me as the most Bahian Argentine he ever met. I wasn't wrong: how much I identify with your people and your culture!! I cannot stop thanking the great friends that I carry in my heart, such as the great Walter Seijo, who keeps me informed with photos and memories, Jovino whom I consider "the" Bahian poet, the colleague Irenildo Souza and many more to whom I apologize for not mentioning them because this text would not be enough for me…...
Bay of All Saints
How to get to Salvador
Plane: both from abroad and from the Brazilian territory itself. The city has the Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport, one of the most important in Brazil and which It is located 28 kilometers from the center of Salvador. A large number of flights operate there daily. interns that connect the capital of Bahia with Brazilian cities. There are also flights to and from South America, the United States and Europe.
From the airport to the city center can be reached:
By taxi: the safest thing is to hire a taxi at the stands in the arrivals hall and they have fixed prices taking between 30/40 minutes..
By bus: there are companies that make the Airport - Praça da Sé route passing through Barra in 1 hour.
Subway: The trip between the airport station and the Lapa metro station can be done in up to 40 minutes. To take passengers arriving at the airport to the metro, a shuttle service is offered that takes users free of charge.
Ship: Arriving at the Port of Salvador, located in the area of La Bahía de Todos los Santos, several cruise companies make their trips departing from cities on the coast of Brazil, Argentina, the Caribbean and Europe.
Bus: long-distance buses that arrive from all over Brazil and from some neighboring cities to the Terminal Rodoviária de Salvador, located 7.5 kilometers from downtown.
How to get around in Salvador
Subway: recently inaugurated, it connects the Historic Center to the Airport, passing through various neighborhoods of Salvador; It is an integrated system with the collective bus lines.
Bus: there are numerous lines that cover all points of the city to prices accessible, comfortable frequencies and adequate speed. There are common and executive buses, the latter with more amenities.
Taxi: It is a fast transportation system, with a lot of comfort and with real driver tour guides. The price is reasonable and the cars are comfortable.
What to see in Salvador
It witnessed very important episodes for the history of Brazil being the first capital of Brazil. You can travel through time the Municipal Square, the Largo de São Francisco, the Pelourinho and the Largo de Santo Antônio Além do Carmo and the Largo de Santo Antônio. There you will appreciate mansions, buildings, squares and churches from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries that are architectural relics. It is a place impregnated with an unparalleled historical value; in fact, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
On Colonial times were a place of horror for slaves who were brought there to be punished. After an almost total decline at the end of the last century, described by UNESCO as the most important collection of colonial baroque architecture in the Americas, it was restored to its splendor of past centuries. It is much more than a neighborhood of Salvador, located in the upper part of the city and facing the port is the historical and cultural center of the city. Although it is considered the center of the city it seems to be far from reality. The predominant architecture is Portuguese Baroque that contrasts with the colors of the statues and the fabrics of the souvenir shops that surround it. Thanks to the aforementioned recognition as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, it began to resurface, recovered and revitalized, as the colorful and lively cultural center that Salvador deserves. Pelourinho has color, music, art, in short, life.
With more than 350 buildings, built in various styles, Salvador is a city with deep religious roots, as evidenced by the large number of old churches and chapels. The inescapable temples are the Cathedral of Salvador, a majestic example of Mannerist architecture built from 1657 stuck in the heart of Pelourinho; the San Francisco Convent, known as the "golden church" for its golden walls, with wood-carved details of angels, animals, fruits and leaves and the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim icon of the Bahian faith, built between 1746 and 1754 on the Itapagipe peninsula, rich in neoclassical decoration and sculptures dating from the year 1745. At the exit how not to take the amulet of the famous Ribbons of the Bomfin as a souvenir, both for oneself and to give to friends and family. In the month of January, the traditional Bonfim festival is celebrated.
An emblematic point of the city, this public elevator that connects the Lower City with the Upper City was created in the 19th century by the engineer Augusto Frederico de Lacerda. With its 72 meters in height, the elevator that, as mentioned, connects the Upper City with the Lower City, is located in the strategic Praça Cayru in the Comércio neighborhood. and has two towers : one that comes out of the rock and goes through the mountainside balancing the cabins and another, more visible, which is articulated to the first tower, descending to the level of the Lower City. It manages to transport 900,000 passengers per month on a paid route of thirty seconds of duration. From its height, fabulous views of the Bay and the Mercado Modelo are obtained.
They were built in order to protect the Bay of All Saints from invaders. The most important, Due to their accessibility, they are the Santa María fort, located along the beach of Porto da Barra, dating from the seventeenth century, built in a strategic location in the Bay, with Incredible views; the fort of São Antonio da Barra, in Farol Da Barra, the first fortress in Brazil to It has a lighthouse inside the Fort, the Barra lantern, and construction began at the end of the sixteenth century; São Diogo Fortress located in the square of Azevedo Fernandes, on the hill of São Antonio; and the São Marcelo, the only one with a circular shape in Latin America, Renaissance style and built in the early years of the 17th century
It is the largest handicrafts market in Brazil, founded in 1912; It houses more than 250 stores and brings together the best creations of African and Brazilian culture and tradition.
Although in its beginnings food was sold, today what is sold the most are the typical Bahian clothes in white and cream tones. The most popular souvenir is the penca de balangandas, a set of African amulets.
It has two floors and is located in Plaza Cayru, in the lower city of Salvador, next to the well-known Lacerda Elevator in front of the Bay of All Saints.
You will also find some restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a cold beer.
It takes place in the streets of the city and is considered one of the largest street parties in the world. I know says that the Salvador Carnival is the “real carnival” because the large Afro-Brazilian community of Salvador de Bahia, with its strong roots in African culture and traditions, gives the Salvador Carnival a more authentic African flavor. This is due to the fact that all the celebrations take place in different blocks, a group of people who pay or not to participate in it, with fashion bands which you can join during the hours that the circuit runs. The fundamental piece of this festive machine are the "Electric Trios" which are large cargo trucks that have sound systems and amplified speakers and stages above them where the artists perform and accompany the blocos. The other The party takes place in the cabins, which are the stands that are located next to the parade of the blocos. Although everything is paid, there are some blocks that are free.
Salvador's beaches
There are 50 kilometers of crystal clear coastline. The beaches of the Lower City are bathed by the extensive Bahía de Todos los Santos, while the beaches of the Upper City receive the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The only beach in the Upper City located on the Bay of Todos los Santos. Porto da Barra is famous for its incredible sunsets. The water is calm, warm and very conducive to bathing.
Crowned by the emblematic lantern that gives it its name; This beach, also steeped in history, is located next to Porto da Barra.
This traditional beach it is located in the neighborhood of the same name; characterized by the algae that cover the waters with their particular colors at certain times of the year.
Located in the neighborhood of the same name, this beach is distinguished by its changing sea, which appears serene or challenging depending on the tide.
One of the longest beaches on the north coast of Salvador, located 10 kilometers from the center with good waves to practice surfing.
Surrounded by parks, it has an interesting craft fair on weekends. Although it is not suitable for swimming due to waves and rocks It has courts and green areas.
It is located 17 km from the center. It is a very popular beach for people who want to practice surfing and windsurfing.
Itapuã
Near the Itapuã lighthouse is a jewel of culture in Salvador de Bahia; It has served as an inspiration for great artists and composers such as Vinicius de Moraes. Its large palm trees, its warm serene waters and its bohemian air make this beach the perfect place to enjoy and relax.
It is located next to Itapuã and is distinguished by its fresh landscape of corals and palm trees. It is a very famous place among surfers since some championships of this and other water sports have been held.
Last beach to the north of Salvador, before reaching Lauro de Freitas. Away from the center, it has a less urban character than the other beaches in Salvador, totally away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Called by the locals the “Brazilian Polynesia”. This paradisiacal beach combines incredible ecological beauties (a sample of the abundant Atlantic forest) with the charm of a small fishing village.
It is located 70 km from Salvador and is one of the most beautiful walks that can be done from the city.
One of the most beautiful destinations from Brazil, ideal to rest, enjoy transparent waters and white sand, snorkel, It is located 63 km in a straight line from Salvador.
The options to travel to Morro from Salvador de Bahía are mainly 3: Private air taxi, the popular Catamaran that connects the two destinations in about two and a half hours or do part of the journey by land and then take a ferry in the last part.
From the point of view of the climate, in Morro de São Paulo it is never cold, the minimums do not drop below 22 degrees and the maximums are always around 30. The rainy season runs from April to July, with intense precipitation. . Sometimes they can be quick and fleeting, sometimes it can rain non-stop for days. The most inhabited part of Morro is divided into 5 beaches and everyone refers to them by name, first to fifth.
Other places
Below I indicate other places in the State of Bahia that deserve to be visited. In each link I inform everything you will need to know them:
Bahian gastronomy
Whichever place you choose to eat in Bahia, you will access more than a gastronomic experience, a true multicultural experience. You cannot miss out on savoring some of its typical foods. The gastronomy of Salvador de Bahia has been influenced by the Portuguese settlers and the African ethnic groups that populated the region. This mixture resulted in techniques and delicious flavors that have lasted over time and forged the traditional cuisine of the city.
Moqueca: dish of seafood and fish with coconut milk, multiple spices and oil obtained from the palm tree called dandé, a traditional ingredient of Bahian cuisine introduced by Africans
Acarajé: snack traditionally sold by Bahian women on the streets and beaches of the city. It is another specialty with African roots, a kind of bun with bean dough, open in the middle stuffed with shrimp, with vatapá and Creole sauce, fried in palm oil. Abará: same as acarajé but boiled instead of fried.
Escondidinho: oil, chopped onion, garlic, shrimp, tomatoes, wheat flour, cassava, milk cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
Casquinha de siri: it is the crab meat served in its shell; It is another of the authentic delicacies of Bahian cuisine.
Vatapá: cashews, peanuts, corn flour, coconut milk and dendé oil, with ingredients such as ginger, onion and pepper
Carurú: vegetable called quiabo, from Africa, which is prepared with onion, fresh shrimp, dendé oil, roasted chestnuts and peanuts.
Pamoña: it is a paste made with corn , wrapped in sheets. It's kind of Tamale very popular sweet It is often found in Festivities Juninas , traditional festivity with which it is celebrated to Saint Anthony , San Juan and Saint Peter during the month of June,
Cocadas: dessert based on coconut, milk and sugar that can be consumed in various presentations.
In addition to the meals mentioned we must not forget the ice cold beers nor the natural coconuts that are served in Bahia in such a special way that it is enjoyed more than anywhere else.
All Inclusive and Resorts
In the State of Bahia there are places of recreation that are well known for their nature and fun.
Among them: Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte, Grand Palladium Imbassai, Sauipe Premium, Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte,Nauticomar Resort All Inclusive & Beach Club, Coroa Vermelha Praia Hotel,Club Med Trancoso.
Book the best Tours and Walks in Bahia