Salvador da Bahia

Attractions Salvador da Bahia - Attractions region Salvador da Bahia

Located in the state of Bahia on the northeast of Brazil, the city of Salvador da Bahia is situated on an arrowhead peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and All Saints Bay.

Originally called the "City of Bahia", Salvador was founded in 1549 and remained the nation's capital until 1763. Over half of all the Africans brought to the New World as slaves to work in the sugarcane plantations landed in Brazil, beginning in the early 16^th century, and the port of Salvador was one of the main gateways for the slave trade.

Salvador prospered in the 17^th and 18^th 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, colorful mansions and dozens of ornate Baroque churches.

Bahia won its independence from Portugal nearly a year later than southern Brazil, which is why it has its own Independence Day: July 2^nd, but they also celebrate the national Independence Day on September 7^th.
Bahia is considered Brazil's motherland, not only because Brazil was discovered there, but because its people are a fusion of diverse cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. This gives Salvador a unique brand of magic that is particularly evident at the city's many festivals, most notably the massive Carnival, which attracts 2 million people from all over the world and is said to rival the famous Rio Carnival.

Salvador, the 3^rd largest city in Brazil, is divided into 2 parts, the "Lower City", which contains the old port and the commercial district, and the "Upper City" is famous for the Lacerda Elevator and older architecture. Salvador also has a historic district that UNESCO has declared a Treasure of Humanity. This district is called Pelourinho.

Besides being an old colonial town, Salvador has beautiful beaches with palm trees and white dunes, which are the site of intense social activity.