Day 01
From Barra to Pelourinho's Historic Heart
- We will start our tour by car and make our first stop at Santo Antônio da Barra Fort, Bahia's oldest fort and South America's oldest lighthouse. We will enjoy the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean and the entrance to All Saints Bay. We will then continue to 7th of September Avenue and Porto da Barra Beach, viewing the forts of Santa Maria and São Diogo.
- Driving up Barra Hill, we will reach the upscale neighbourhood of Vitória, passing by the magnificent Vitória Church - one of Salvador's first churches. We will pass Campo Grande Square and its famous Dois de Julho monument, a landmark in the consolidation of Brazil's independence in Bahia, as well as Piedade Square, Relógio de São Pedro Square, Castro Alves Square, and Municipal Square, where we will start the walking part of the tour.
- We will reach the top of Cidade Alta where, similar to an acropolis, the Portuguese started to build the city. From Praça Municipal, we will enjoy a delightful view of the bay and its islands. We will see Rio Branco Palace, the old City Hall and Council, and the iconic Lacerda Elevator, which links the upper and lower parts of the city. From there, we will explore some of Salvador's historical squares, such as Sé Square, where Brazil's first cathedral was built; Terreiro de Jesus Square, where Brazil's first Medical School and the current Cathedral Basilica are located; Cruzeiro de São Francisco Square; and Saint Francis of Assisi Church.
- Walking down the hill to Pelourinho Square, we will end our tour passing by Jorge Amado's Foundation and the Church of the Rosary of the Black Man, as well as museums, art galleries, handicraft shops, restaurants, and bars.
