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Salvador was the first capital of Brazil and, is home to an impressive
array of historical sites from the 16th, 17th, 18th
and 19th centuries.
This
attractive city
is a journey to old Portugal and Africa. A journey taken through the
architecture, music and dance of this mystical people. The afro influence
in in the capital of the state of Bahia is stronger than anywhere else in
Brazil. It is present in the music, dance, food and religion. One can go
to the Catholic Church in the morning and to the Candomblé (African
religion) in the evening.
The
historical center of Salvador, Pelourinho, is a UNESCO’s Heritage of Humanity. A trip to Pelourinho
takes you back to the time of colonization in the 1500s. The historical
center was completely remodeled, displaying the full beauty of mansions,
houses and churches.
It
is a charming center of small shops, restaurants and museums. In
Pelourinho, an array of cultural performances takes place, with concerts
and dances sponsored by the city and which are free to the public.
The Flavors of
Salvador
When in the capital
of Bahia, you must taste the luscious food; it would be a sin not to.
Taste some
(1)
Acarajé from a Baiana (a lady that sells on the streets. You can’t miss
them – always dressed in white). It is traditional, well-made and
sanitary.
Go to the typical restaurants in “Praia da Armação” and try the
(2)
Moqueca and
(3)
Vatapá. But be careful with the spices. Always ask for the least spiced
version because they tend to be very hot, even to the Brazilians of the
south.
A taste the local
cuisine is also possible in Mercado Modelo while enjoying the capoeira
presentations that are held there. Besides food and dance, there is an
array of artisan shops that carry clothes, jewelry, sculpture and musical
instruments. If you like shopping, this is your kind of place.
This mystical city
is even more enchanting when beautiful natural views, parties all year
around and astonishing beaches are added to the mixture. Salvador is an
adventure of the senses. Come and discover its magic.
What to see in
Salvador da Bahia
There is a lot, but
we set aside some special ones. First,
Pelourinho with its
churches shops and squares, Lacerda Elevator, the Municipal Square and Sé
Square. Then continue to Municipal Plaza, Rio Branco Palace, Misericórdia
Hospital and Church.
Try to visit the Basilica Cathedral, the Terreiro de Jesus and Largo do
Cruzeiro de São Francisco. Last but not least, go to Largo do Carmo, where
you can see Santo Antonio Fort and the great religious complex formed by
the Church and Convent of Our Lady of Carmo and the Church of the Third
Order of Carmo.
Make sure you treat yourself with some of the city folklore. Folklore in
Salvador is extremely strong. Performances of capoeira,
Afoxé, Samba de Roda, Folia de Reis and Maculelê are a
delight to the senses.
Salvador da Bahia has 50 kms of
coastline. One of our favorites is Itapuã. With so many beaches,
Salvador can cater to all tastes. Great options are Praia de Stella Maris,
Praia do Porto da Barra, Praia de Pituaçu and Praia da Ondina.
But as we usually say, experiment.
There are plenty of fine beaches in Salvador that might be exactly your
"size". Have fun!
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(1)
Acarajé - It’s a bean fritter made with Brazilian beans, called Fradinho.
(2)
Moqueca – A traditional Brazilian fish stew. There are two kinds – The
Capixaba (from the state of Espírito Santo) and the Baiana (from the state
of Bahia and other northeastern states). The fish stew is a Portuguese
heritage, with pinches of African. So, here it is another mix, which is
the very soul of Brazilian food, people and so on. The ingredients are
fresh fish, lemons, onions, tomatoes, coriander, coconut milk and Dende
oil (made of Urucum – a seed found in Brazil).
(3)
Vatapá - Traditional
dish from Bahia, made of coconut mil, peanut butter, cashew butter and
shrimp.
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