Historic Center of Salvador Historical Site

Address: Pelourinho (Historic Centre), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Website: https://www.salvador.ba.gov.br

Hours: Public district open 24 hours; individual museums have varied hours

Admission: Free to walk the district; museums and attractions charge entry

The Historic Center of Salvador, commonly called Pelourinho, is the colonial core of Salvador in the state of Bahia, Brazil. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its extensive ensemble of colonial-era buildings and churches.

The area contains a dense concentration of 17th- and 18th-century architecture, baroque churches, public squares and restored civic and religious buildings. Key attractions include the São Francisco Church with its gilded interior and the public plaza areas that frame views toward the Bay of All Saints.

Salvador was founded by the Portuguese in 1549 and served as the colonial capital of Brazil until 1763; the historic centre grew as an administrative, religious and commercial hub during that period. Over time the district has undergone conservation and restoration efforts to preserve its colonial urban fabric and cultural landmarks.

The historic centre sits on a rocky peninsula that projects into the Bay of All Saints, forming the upper and lower city of Salvador. The area is part of the modern city of Salvador and is easily reached from other city districts.

• UNESCO status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its well-preserved urban ensemble of colonial architecture and historic churches.
• Layout: The historic centre occupies Salvador’s elevated upper city and lower waterfront areas, with many sights concentrated within a compact walking area.

What to See#

• Pelourinho: The colonial-era core known as Pelourinho, a dense district of narrow streets and brightly painted 17th- and 18th-century buildings that forms the heart of the historic centre.
• São Francisco Church and Convent: The São Francisco Church and Convent, a baroque church noted for an extensively gilded interior and elaborate woodcarving and tilework.
• Elevador Lacerda: The Elevador Lacerda, a public elevator that links Salvador’s upper and lower city and provides views across the Bay of All Saints.

Pelourinho (Historic Centre) is in Salvador’s old town, near the harbor. From Salvador’s airport (Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães), take a taxi or airport shuttle to the city centre (about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic). Local buses and taxis reach Pelourinho; the district is walkable from the waterfront and the Elevador Lacerda connects the lower and upper cities.

• Stroll Rua das Laranjeiras and Praça do Pelourinho early in the morning to avoid tour groups and watch shopkeepers sweep the cobbles.
• Seek out small capoeira rodas in the squares in the late afternoon - local groups often practice and the performances are lively and informal.
• Visit Igreja de São Francisco for its gilded interior and the nearby Afro-Brazilian museums to understand Salvador's layered cultural history.