Culture of Salvador. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The main historical value of Salvador is the variety of preserved colonial buildings, the active construction of which took place in the 17th-19th centuries. The city is conditionally divided into two parts by a 50-meter slope. Both Upper and Lower City have their own interesting attractions to visit. Be sure to start your acquaintance with priceless monuments of the past from a walk in the historical district of Pelourinho . Its name can be literally translated as a "Pillory". The thing is that in the very center of the district there is a historic square where a pillar of shame has been preserved. In the colonial period, guilty slaves were punished here. In the immediate vicinity of the central square, the most notable townspeople built their homes. Today the picturesque Historic Center of Pelourinho is a real open-air museum with priceless historical monuments at every step.

One of the most spectacular architectural monuments of Salvador is Sao Francisco Church, which is a single complex with a surviving Franciscan monastery. Both were built in the early 18th century and are considered classic monuments of colonial architecture. In front of the church, there is a beautiful square and several no less picturesque buildings, the first floors of which are occupied by cozy restaurants and shops.

The Cathedral of Salvador is an architectural monument of a much earlier period. Its strict and gloomy appearance is truly fascinating. The cathedral built in the late 17th century was originally the main Jesuit temple in the city. At present, the beautiful cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Salvador. One of the best places to admire architectural monuments is Vitoria Corridor Avenue. Near the avenue are the most luxurious colonial palaces, whose impeccable appearance is complemented by thick thickets of age-old trees. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Upper and Lower towns are connected by Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda ), another important symbol of Salvador. It was built back in 1873 and originally had only two cabins. Currently, the elevator is equipped with four cabins and is available around the clock. The Lower Town located in the coastal zone was originally home to poor families. Here you can find some more amazing sights that cannot be ignored.

Among them is the old Port Barra neighborhood, the main decoration of which is an old lighthouse. The port area is perfect for hiking and admiring local seascapes. Also, we cannot fail to mention the huge number of museums available for visiting, including Afro Brasil Museum (Museu Afro-Brasileiro). Its exposition is devoted to the colonial period. Among its numerous exhibits, collections of historical documents and household items deserve special attention.

An interesting exposition is presented by Carlos Costa Pinto Museum (Museu Carlos Costa Pinto ), which is currently housed in a luxurious colonial palace. It contains a rich collection of gold and silver items, as well as beautiful antique furniture. Near the palace is a beautiful garden with walking paths and fountains, which makes visiting the museum even more pleasant. Salvador and its surroundings are of great interest to scientists. Archaeological finds and many other interesting exhibits are offered to visitors by the Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia).