Salvador Landmarks and Monuments

(Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

In recent years, the government of Bahia has invested just under US$100 million in the successful restoration of Salvador's historical city centre - Pelourinho. Now designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, many colonial landmarks reside within the Pelourinho area, with the oldest monuments dating as far back as the 17th century.

Specific landmarks in Salvador include an array of old and very attractive churches, which add great character and serve as useful points of reference. These include the Igreja e Convento Sao Francisco (Church and Convent of St. Francis) on the Cruzeiro de Sao Francisco, the Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo (Church of the Third Order of Carmo) on the Largo do Carmo, and of course the Catedral Basilica (Salvador Cathedral) on the Terreiro de Jesus.

Igreja e Convento Sao Francisco (Church and Convent of St. Francis)

Address: Cruzeiro de Sao Francisco, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
One of the city's most striking religious landmarks, the Igreja e Convento Sao Francisco presides over the Cruzeiro de Sao Francisco and stands right next to the Igreja da Terceira Ordem de Sao Francisco. This church dates as far back as 1587, although the present-day building was constructed in the early part of the 18th century, using an African slave force. Since the slaves were not permitted to practice their own religion, many rebelled when carving the stone cherubs and angels, making them appear ugly and in some cases, pregnant! The interior is considered to be unusual, since it features a nave with three separate aisles. Look up and you will be overwhelmed at the attention to detail on the ceiling, with beautifully painted wood panels framed by ornate carvings.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 17:30, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Catedral Basilica (Cathedral)

Address: Terreiro de Jesus, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Standing on the Terreiro de Jesus, the Catedral Basilica dates from the early 1670s and is a glorious example of Jesuit architecture at its best. When you step inside you will be greeted by a simple and stylish interior, with marble walls and tall pillars. Inside, the rectangular interior is traditional in layout, with one aisle and a number of lateral chapels, each coming with their own altarpieces and religious art works dating from the 16th century onwards. The sacristy is especially beautiful and its painted dome is worth checking out, as well as its carved archway.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 11:00, 14:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo (Church of the Third Order of Carmo)

Address: Largo do Carmo, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
The Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo was completed in 1636, although its current structure was rebuilt in the early part of the 19th century after being destroyed by fire. Known for its elegant architecture, with typical baroque features, the church is flanked by twin bell towers. A small museum is located inside and houses a spectacular and extremely valuable life-size statue of Christ, with blood being depicted by more than 2,000 individual rubies.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos (Church Our Lady of the Rosary of Black People)

Address: Largo do Pelourinho, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Amongst most prominent landmarks standing on the Largo do Pelourinho, the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos was built when the king of Portugal gave this land to the Irmanidade dos Homes Pretos (Brotherhood of Black Men). Construction was undertaken by slaves in their spare time, with the team of builders and craftsmen also including many freed slaves. However, it was not until almost a century later that the church was completed. Highlights include Rococo architecture painted sky blue, many fine 18th-century statues, a slave cemetery, tiled towers with strong Indian influences and the annual Santa Barbara and Iansa celebrations.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 14:00
Admission: free

Palacio Rio Branco

Address: Praca Municipal, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3322 7255
Dominating the Praca Municipal (Praca Tomé de Souza) on the western side of central Salvador, the Palacio Rio Branco remains one of Brazil's most historic palaces, dating as far back as 1549, when it served as the seat of the Bahian government and was home to the offices of the country's first ever governor general, Tomé de Souza. However, following fire and bomb damage, much of the building was reconstructed in the early part of the 20th century, restoring it to its former glory. Further renovation work was necessary in the early 1980s. Leave time to stroll around the Praca Municipal and enjoy the bay views, which can be further enhanced by using the free telescopes.
Open hours: Monday - 14:00 to 19:00, Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Forts of Barra

Address: Barra, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3264 3296
The fortresses of Salvador are important landmarks and reminders of its military past, built by the Portuguese to defend its coastline against possible attack from the Dutch, after their invasion in the early part of the 17th century. Barra has a scenic waterfront where three sections of land extend into the ocean, each crowned with the colonial forts - Forte Santa Maria, Forte Sao Diogo and Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra. The city's oldest fortress is often referred to as the Farol de Barra, since it comprises a lighthouse. Visitors will also find a small museum with nautical artefacts celebrating the city's seafaring past.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Church of Our Lord Bonfim)

Address: Praca Senhor do Bonfim, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
An extremely famous Catholic church, the Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim stands on the Itapagipe peninsula, where it was built in the 18th century, being inaugurated in 1754. However, it was not actually until 1772 that the two bell towers were completed. Now a significant pilgrimage site, notable features include a Rococo-style facade with white Portuguese 'azulejos' (tiles), a painted wooden ceiling, various religious art works and a very ornate roof. Each January, the church plays host to the Festa do Bonfim (Feast of Bonfim) celebrations, which last ten days and attract literally thousands, with traditional dancing, processions and food stalls.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free