Salvador de Bahia: brasil’s cultural heart & original capital
as brasil’s 1st capital (1549-1763), salvador de bahia was shaped bynever before seen. mixing Europeans, Africans and indigenous (Amerindians) that coalesced over five centuries into today's so-called 'brasilian race'. shipping activity in the 16th - 18th centuries facilitated salvador's dominance as the new world’s trade hub for the trans-atlantic african slave trade. Bahia is brasil’s most scenic among 26 states. political & monarchical administration was secure for 2 centuries creating brasil's cultural & spiritual heart. it is 3rd largest metro region shaping brasil's lifestyle, cuisine, art trends and the empathetic spirit symbolizing brasilian character.
Salvador: colonial glory merges with contemporary style
The united nation's world heritage center has designated salvador as the world's finest example of european renaissance colonial architecture. The 16th centur economy was based in sugar & coffee production & slave trading. by mid-1800's discovery of diamond and gold deposits in the countryside led to rapid population growth & industrial development. salvador's political, economic leadership slipped as southern parts of brasil developed. numerous reminders still exist of times when salvador, bahia was the new world's most powerful city. visit: salvador, BAhia
bahia’s ilha de itaparica offers exotic lifestyle in vera cruz, gamboa & more…
brasil's largest coastal island, the ihla de itaparica is 45 minutei. ferry ride from salvador., you'll cross mild waters of Todos os santos Bay (bay of saints). you are transported into a magical haven greeted by a humble village lifestyle. vera cruz is small (pop. 8,000). it’s a lush, tropical environment with locals filled with brasil's 'spirit of harmony'. a club med resort is nearby & you'll find an array of pousadas (inns), rental homes/cottages among breathtaking scenic & historical sites. you feel a sense of rejuvenation and joyfulness! visit: Vera cruz, bahia
the pelourinho historic district: experience the power of multi-cultural ambiance that shapes Brasil’s dynamic attraction…
the highlight of salvador is pelourinho. centuries ago under portuguese law the pillory (or pelourinho) was a wooden or stone pole with iron wrist rings used for public lashings. salvador's pelourinho district is filled with renaissance colonial residential, commercial & religious architecture preserved from 16th - 17th - 18th centuries. structures are re-purposed as arts venue, retailers, offices, cafe restaurants and night clubs. A history time-travelers delight! visit: pelourinho district
diverse neighborhoods enhance salvador’s spice
beyond central salvador and the majestic bay of saints resides the larger part of brasil’s 3rd largest city. i visited the rio vermelho with it’s hip, eclectic vibe with a popular beach nearby. then i visited the pituacu metropolitan lake (created 1973) at the center of a quaint village-like district. The fresh water man-made lagoon is an ecological reserve with educational programs, The lake is surrounded by a 24-mile walk/bike trail, picnic areas, boating-fishing pier & sports fields. This regional attraction covers 300+ acres offering a year-round gathering space that is close to the ocean…
HISTORY SITES IN BARRA - the barra district is an upscale section of salvador. It’s home to a marina & yacht club, pricier shopping malls & several fine art galleries & history museums. you’ll see palatial mansions. of bygone eras, The fortress lighthouse of San Antonio da Barra (1697) and the smallish Santa Maria Fort (1627) guarding the flank of the expansive Bay of Saints. several forts are perched in strong defensive positions allowing Salvador to maintain it’s position as Portuguese colonial capital of Brasil (1549 - 1763), becoming the New World's leader in commerce & european-style sophistication…
Backroads of bahia - as the 1st political & financial hub for the new colonial nation, the path to salvador from the west was through majestic lush & fertile scenery. a welcoming tradition originated. that still exists today for travlers. you’ll experience storybook mountains with ages-weathered peaks weathered peaks…
