- Destinations
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- Salvador da Bahia
Salvador da Bahia
Salvador de Bahia is Bahia state's capital city (locals
generally abbreviate its name to Salvador or simply Bahia).
Salvador was founded in 1549 and quickly became the premier city in
Brazil, and the second most important city in the Portuguese Empire
after Lisbon. Salvador prospered in the 17th and 18th centuries; it
was the country's major port and a significant portion of the sugar
from the northeast and gold and diamonds from the mines in the
southeast passed through the city. Today the wealth of impressive
colonial architecture is evidence of the city's rich history.
Between the modern tower blocks, well-restored enclaves of the old
city remain with cobblestone streets, colourful mansions and dozens
of ornate Baroque churches.
The spicy atmosphere of this delightfully decadent city is best
soaked up on foot, within the narrow streets and in the markets,
the best of which is the Mercado Modelo arts and crafts market.
Most churches are open to the public and many have been turned into
museums. One of the city's more unusual experiences is to ride the
Elevador Lacerda, an Art Deco structure housing old electric
elevators that carry passengers between the port and the old
historic part of the town, on the hill.
The only thing wrong with Salvador's excellent beaches is that
visitors are spoilt for choice. The range extends from calm coves
(ideal for swimming, sailing and underwater fishing, such as Porto
da Barra beach) to wild beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean, such as
Aleluia beach, which attracts surfers. Some beaches are surrounded
by coral reefs, forming natural swimming pools that are ideal for
children. The beaches are the location for many of Salvador's great
festivals, including the New Year festivities, which include
performances and an impressive fireworks display.
Salvador is Brazil's most Africanised state, a result of the
thousands of slaves that were brought here 400 years ago to work in
the sugarcane plantations, and there is even a museum, the Museu
Afro-Brasileira, which is dedicated to Black culture. The fusion of
African and Latin cultures had given Salvador a unique brand of
magic that is particularly evident at city's many festivals, most
notably the massive 'Carnaval' in mid-November which attracts two
million revellers from all over the world and is said to rival the
famous Rio Carnaval.
Information & Facts
Climate
Salvador da Bahia experiences a humid tropical climate with
average year round daily highs reaching 77°F (25°C). The coldest
months are June through August when temperatures are at their
lowest with an average of 70°F (21°C) while the warmest months
stretch from December through February with average daytime highs
reaching 86°F (30°C). The rainy season is typically May through
August.
Language
The spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, however
Spanish and English are also used in the cities.
Money
The Brazilian monetary unit is the real (BRL), plural reais.
There are 100 centavos to the real. The US dollar is also welcome
in most tourist establishments. In the main cities foreign
currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks or
cambios. There is an extensive network of ATMs in the
country and most major international credit cards are accepted.
Shopping
Shopping in Salvador do Bahia is more limited than other major
Brazilian cities like Rio or Sao Paulo, but if you look hard you'll
find some treasures in this artistic and creative city. Some of the
best Salvador souvenirs are beautiful handicrafts and art made by
the locals.
There is a vibrant art scene in Salvador, and you can find a
selection of local work at places like Portal das Artes or the many
galleries around Largo do Pelourinho; or a variety of hand-crafted
items made by indigenous people like the Pataxós, Tikuna, Caipós,
and Yanomami at the state-run Instituto de Artesanato Visconde de
Mauá, or the craft shop Kembo. The non-profit Projeto Axé sells
locally-made clothing, and the profits go toward a fund for street
children.
Salvador also has a few shopping malls, like the beachfront
Aeroclube Plaza with its movie theatres, restaurants, live music
venues, and the only bowling alley in Salvador. Another good local
mall is Barra, which is conveniently located near the centre of
town. Barra has outlets of some of Brazil's major stores along with
independent boutiques, and a selection of movie theatres and
restaurants.
You can always bargain in Salvador, especially at markets and
independent stores. Most stores and boutiques will accept credit
cards, but you'll need cash at the markets.
Sightseeing
Salvador de Bahia is on old city rich in cultural history, and
that is evident in its beautiful architecture. In the historic
district, also known as Pelourinho or the Cidade Alta, there are
many photogenic buildings dating back to the 17th century. There
are over a thousand sacred houses in Salvador, including churches
like the Cathedral of Salvador, the Church of Nossa Senora do
Rosário dos Pretos, and the Convent and Church of Sao Francisco.
Another building worth seeing is the donut-shaped São Marcelo Fort,
built in the 17th century.
There is much to see and do in Salvador, as the inhabitants know
how to have a good time. One of the main reasons to visit Salvador
is the city's continuous line-up of festivals and celebrations,
dozens of which fill the calendar with music, dance and parties.
The Mercado Modelo is the city's bustling market area, with arts
and crafts stalls, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Salvador's beaches are fantastic, with natural variations that
mean there's something for everyone to do. Porto da Barra is a
popular beach for swimming, as it faces the bay and the waters are
calm; Farol da Barra has a number of rocky pools great for kids to
play in. Farol de Itapoan has strong currents suited to experienced
swimmers and surfers, while Flamengo is scenic and has a few fun
barracas, or beach bars. You can also visit Projeto Tamar, which is
a sea turtle conservation project at Praia do Forte.
You can get spectacular views from Farol de Barra, a lighthouse
at the point of the city where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bay of
All Saints. You won't be able to see the city, but crowds form
every night to watch the sun set from this amazing vantage point.
You can get a better view of the city itself from Forte de Monte
Serrat, or at one of the two restaurants at the top of the Mercado
Modelo.
Time
Brazil spans four time zones: Rio and Sao Paulo: GMT -2 (GMT
-3 April to October); Brasilia and Belm: GMT -3 (GMT -2 October to
March); GMT -4 in the West.