Salvador, Brazil’s First Capital, is Open Air History

The great northeastern capitals hold a rich part of our national history. Salvador, the first capital of the Brazilian colony, has marks of a period full of contradictions, with incredible esthetics, and of everything that is part of our past: a perfect destination. The city, founded in the mid-16^th century, soon became the colonial capital. Its position was strategic in a territory whose center of gravity, in economic and social terms, was in the northeast, and would remain there for centuries, especially because of cultures such as sugar cane.

Gold was also part of this equation. Its exploration, developed more strongly in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, marked Salvador. This can be seen in the architectural ornaments in Pelourinho, an old part of the city. The great landmarks of the economical opulence of the explorers are in the churches: in the gold painting of the images, the walls and the ceilings.

In an ample analysis, the architecture and urbanism of the Pelourinho, evident marks of the Portuguese colonization of Brazil, are the greatest historical attractions of the city. The big colonial mansions, as well as the churches and the buildings of the former colonial administration, demonstrate how important this land was for the Portuguese crown.

As time passed, however, Salvador did not remain the center of national power. This power migrated to the Southeast Region, through the economic exploration of several other assets, such as ore, gemstones, and farming. However, Salvador remained a regional power, and was well preserved throughout the last five centuries, luckily for history lovers.

The region of the Recôncavo Baiano, where the city is situated, is also very pleasant for the tourist that wishes to enjoy the summer and the sea. The beaches of the region of São Salvador Bay are numerous and very beautiful. There is a series of high class resorts for those who wish to be free of worries, as well as options of small villages, such as on the island of Boipeba, that  offer simple inns, but an incredible experience of immersion in the local culture.

Salvador is, considering everything, one of Brazil’s most enchanting cities. Be it for its natural beauties, its very rich history of the beginning of our colonial period, or for its hospitality, it’s one of Brazil’s most complete tourist destinations.