The Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia
A tour through Bahia's capital, Salvador, and a look at its historic legacy in colonial architecture and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia and one of the major cultural capitals of Brazil. It is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. That heritage, however, is also founded in slavery—for several centuries, Salvador was a significant port in the West African slave trade, and much of its wealth came from enslaved people working on sugar plantations. This legacy has led to a vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture in Bahia, including the growth of Carnival, Samba, and the syncretic religion Candomblé.
Today, the city of Salvador reflects its colonial past as well as the modern people continuing to shape it. Historic colonial architecture still adorns many streets, and these structures are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. If you want to learn more, this video walks through the streets of Salvador, highlights its most beautiful architecture, and further explores the city’s legacy of slavery and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Further Reading
“Historic Centre of Salvador De Bahia.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, UNESCO, whc.unesco.org/en/list/309/.
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