The magic land of Bahia

"If you like your homeland, don't come to Bahia" - this phrase above belongs to Dorival Caymmi, one of the most important composers in Brazil and a devoted lover of the beauties of Bahia and Salvador. His words make sense – when you get to Bahia, there is a big chance that you will forget about all other places you’ve ever been. It’s unique nature, a special atmosphere and the paradise climate makes it a perfect oasis.

Bahia is the most historically important state of Brazil with carefully saved traditions. In 1501 Portuguese sailor Amerigo Vespucci landed here. It was All Saints Day and he named this gulf the Bay of All Saints - Baia de Todos оs Santos. In 1549 Tome de Sausa founded the first capital of Brazil – Salvador de Bahia. It remained the capital city for 2 centuries and only in 1763 gave this place to Rio-de-Janeiro.

Salvador is still the most colorful and the most Brazilian city in the whole country. It lost a lot of its magnificence and luxury, but the spirit of the old colonial Brazil still lives here.

From its very beginning Salvador was divided into two parts – the lower and the upper city. Upper city or Cidade Alta and its most remarkable part – Pelurino has always been the centre of the governmental, administrative and spiritual life. Here stands the main Cathedral, governor’s residence and aristocratic mansions are situated. The significant part of the buildings remained unchanged since XVIII century.

In Lower city of Cidade Baja lived mostly poor people. They built numerous markets, docks, barracks and port buildings. However the main feature of the district is the chain of the perfectly armed forts.

Two parts of the city are connected with 50-meters elevator called Lacerda, which marks the centre of the modern city of Salvador. It faces Rio Branco Palace – the most pompous structure of the city. For many years it has been the governor’s residence and still remains the symbol of Brazilian State system.

One more interesting place of Salvador is Modelo market where you can buy souvenirs and watch the art of Capoeira – Brazilian martial art. Here women in national clothes sell exotic fruits and cook exotic dishes.

African and European cultures have mixed here to make the special, Brazilian culture. One of the most outstanding rituals is Candomble. Those who found courage to participate in it are promised to feel the presence of ghosts inside them. The ritual finishes with dances. Ceremonies are carried out in special places called casa de santo.

The area to the north of Salvador is occupied with the white sands of the beaches of Bahia. The small town of Praia do Forte is known for its ancients fortresses and the natural resort of Tamir – the home for turtles. The resort of Porto de Sauipe is known as “Brazilian Cancun”.

Bahia inspired not only musicians, one of which was mentioned in the first line. One of the best Brazilian writers – Jorge Amado was born and lived here. The beauties of Bahia, its legends and traditions are brightly described in his books. One of the legends tells about the goddess Iemanga who lives in the sea and sometimes takes the lives of the sailors.


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