Vacation is a must to get away from the daily hustle-bustle of our life. A break once in a while has become a major requirement to keep the mind and body rejuvenate. However, here we are exploring some of the best-known Heritage Places across the world. And that makes us stop at a wonderful place in Brazil called Salvador de Bahia.
World Heritage Sites often don’t have to be boring! If you are thinking on the same lines, Salvador de Bahia is the place for you. Museums, architectural eminence, Forts, lighthouses, beaches and cathedrals, there is everything for everyone. So, without waiting for a second let’s get started to know more about the place.
About the Salvador de Bahia
The city Salvador de Bahia is an amalgamation of European and Amerindian Cultures. In the early days, the place was well known for the slave market. Salvador de Bahia is also known as the first capital of Brazil. The place looks beautiful with colorful old towns and houses. Don’t miss the Stucco Work that is well known in that part of town. Salvador de Bahia was founded in the year 1549.
Also Read: Tsodilo Hills – UNESCO World Heritage Site Of Botswana
At first, the place was popularly known for the slave market. The slaves were brought to Salvador to work in the sugar factory that was thriving at that time. It is famous for its historic center which makes most of the landmarks in the history of Salvador de Bahia.
Let’s look into the famous landmarks of Salvador de Bahia that make the place listed in the WHS.
Porto da Barra Beach
Salvador de Bahia has some wonderful landscapes and beaches. It has some wonderful natural beauty in the form of offshore beaches. Porto da Barra Beach is situated in Barra just to the entrance of the Bahia de Todos os Santos. This beautiful and lively beach also accommodates several military fortifications of the Old Portuguese time. Also, there is a lighthouse on the top of the beach slope.
This is a west-facing beach and the same reason attracts people all over the place to watch the mesmerizing sunset. Porto da Barra is considered one of the oldest settlements in Brazil. And that makes the place a site that is most visited by the tourist who comes in search of the WHS.
Elevador Lacerda
Have you seen an elevator connecting two cities? That too built in the olden days? The Lacerda Elevator is one such elevator that connects the lower city and the upper city. This miraculous elevator was built between the years 1869 and 1873. At first, the elevator used hydraulic technology until 1930 when it was renovated. The form then the elevator works on electricity.
The elevator was built in the Art Deco style of architecture. There are two towers with four lifts. Each lift can approximately carry 27 people at a stretch. And surprising it is estimated that more than 33000 people take rides in this elevator. This particular entered into the list of WHS in 2006.
Farol da Barra – Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra
We discussed Farol de Barra lighthouse while exploring the Barra beach. It is a lighthouse in Salvador with great significance. Also, It is one of the major landmarks in the town. The lighthouse is 22 meters in height and is one of the oldest structures in Brazil. However, this is the second lighthouse built in that era, first begin erected in Taipa.
The current lighthouse was built in 1839. It got into the list of World Heritage Site in 1938.
Igreja e Convento de São Francisco
The beautiful Igreja e Convento de São Francisco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salvador de Bahia. It’s a beautiful church built in the 18th century. It is believed that the initial structure was destroyed by the Dutch and later the church was built again in the century. The site is a combination of church, convent and Third Order church that is also listed in seven wonders of the world as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourist loves the architecture and the Azulejos that are present in the convent.
This Site is one of the reasons why the place is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rio Branco Palace
The Site Rio Branco Palace in Salvador de Bahia is one of the rich historical sites of the town. It was a palace which was also a government building now turned museum. This palace is also the oldest starting back to the 16th century. There is a beautiful view of the sea from the palace balcony and tourists love the sight to the core. The architecture of the structure is impeccable and without any wonder, it is listed in the UNESCO WHS.
Also Read: World Heritage Site of Vienna- Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Did you find Salvador de Bahia interesting? If yes what is attracted you the most? It is the surreal beaches of the town that lured me to list the place on my next travel list. And not to mention the beautiful age-old architecture that is alluring. Nevertheless, it is not at all a surprise the entire city is listed in the WHS. Till you ponder over it; it’s a bye from me!
Bon Voyage
