Day 62 : Salvador

Salvador is located in the Bahia region, and is made up of a higher population of darker skinned people.  I have heard that this is also one of the most notorious place for street crime due to the high social inequality level, and was taking extra precaution here by not carrying unnecessary cards, bringing minimal cash and for the cash that I brought out, splitting it into different pockets.

In normal circumstances, I would have walked all the way towards the centre of the city, which would be about an hour’s walk from where I was, especially when there were a few sights that could be visited along the way. 

However after about 15 minutes of walking along the beach, I came to an end where there was no further access and the only way was to move inland towards the road to get to town.

I walked a short distance along the pedestrian’s pathway of the main road and as it started looking a little deserted, I hesitated and continued my way on a bus to the historical centre of the city instead. 

The historical centre of the city is where most of the attractions were located, and is divided into the Upper City and the Lower City.  I only had time for the Upper City today, and I really enjoyed this part of the town, as there was so much to see and just really pleasant to walk!

Rio Branco Palace

The Rio Branco Palace was the Centre of the Portuguese administration at the time of colonial Brazil. 

Thome de Souza Monument

Thome de Souza is the first governor of Brazil and founded the city of Salvador. 

He chose this location as the seat of the government because of its geographical position, protected by a natural wall.

 

The Lacerda Elevator

This is the most famous postcard view of Salvador, and is no wonder with such a beautiful view of the Lower City.  The Lacerda Elevator is the structure located on the left hand side of the photograph, and as built in 1872. 

It is the largest public elevator in the country, and connects the Upper City with the Lower City. 

Fallen Cross Monument

Another famous monument that is often pictured in Salvador, is the Fallen Cross Monument.  It was built by the artist Mario Cravo Junior in honour of the first See Cathedral demolished in 1933. 

 

 

Goncalves Lacerda Inclined Plane

Located 70m above sea level, it was built by the Jesuits in the seventeenth century and was known at the time as the “Crane of the Priests”.  Its purpose was to transport cargo and materials for the construction of the Jesuit College. 

In 1889, it was transformed into an inclined plane to meet the growing populations and the demands of movements between the Upper and Lower City.

Praca da Se

The famous square which houses the Monument of the Fallen Cross, Gonclaves Incline Plane and a few other main structure.  There are also really nice architectures in this square. 

Terreiro de Jesus

Being the gateway to the Pelourinho, the Terreiro de Jesus got its name because of the former church of the Jesuits, which was located on what is now the Basilica Cathedral.  This square also houses a number of key attractions such as the First Faculty of Medicine in Brazil and a famous fountain.

Came across some Capoeira practitioners performing in the streets and took the opportunity to take a couple of photos.  Beware though, as they will openly ask you for money and expect that you make a donation! 

I was asked if I had tried Capoeira before and was too embarrassed to say that I have done it before in Singapore, as my level was way too mediocre since I didn’t have the time to go for the classes as often as I should.

It was nice to however see it in brief action in the country and region where it first originated.

San Francisco Church

The building was started in 1708 and finished in 1723.  Its decoration is an example of mid 18th century Baroque style. 

Of all the temples of Salvador, this is supposedly the richest in gold plated wood carving works. 

It is said that the builders used 1,000 kilos of gold dust to shape the carvings.  It was unfortunately closed at the time when I visited.

Pelourinho

This area was one which I liked a lot, and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Beautiful buildings lined the narrow streets and it was just a pleasure to be walking up and down the slopes of this area.