About
The Historic Center of Salvador, also known as Pelourinho or the Centro Histórico de Salvador, sits in the city of Salvador in Bahia, on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Its streets are lined with colonial buildings painted in bright colours, and its cobblestone lanes climb and fall across the old part of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is widely seen as the heart of Bahia's cultural identity.
What to expect
Walking the historic centre is the main way to visit. The architecture is the first thing most people notice: pastel and vivid façades, tiled details, and squares that open out between churches and houses. The cobblestones make for slow going, so comfortable shoes are a sensible choice.
The area is also known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, which shows in the music, dance and everyday life of the streets. Visitors often find that the atmosphere changes from one block to the next, and that the neighbourhood rewards time spent simply looking around.
Planning your visit
- Location: Pelourinho, Salvador, BA 40026-280, Brazil
- Contact: +55 71 3116-6500
- Best suited to: visitors interested in colonial architecture, heritage and Afro-Brazilian culture
Because the centre is a living neighbourhood as well as a monument, a visit works well as part of a longer day in Salvador. Those who want to understand the city's history will find the centre a natural starting point, and the wider city offers further places to explore once you have walked its streets.
