Salvador history

The city of Salvador, whose full name is São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos ("Holy Savior of the Bay of All Saints"), was founded on March 29, 1549, by the Portuguese navigator and first Governor-General Tomé de Sousa. It immediately received the status of the first capital of colonial Brazil and remained the administrative center for over two centuries. Its foundation was a key moment in the Portuguese exploration of the South American continent.

The rapid development of Salvador was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location on the shores of the vast and navigable Bay of All Saints made it the colony's main port. Secondly, the status of capital, which the city held until 1763, ensured its political influence. A unique feature of Salvador was its two-level structure: the "Upper City" (Cidade Alta) became the administrative and residential center, while the "Lower City" (Cidade Baixa) served as the commercial district with the port and warehouses.

Early Salvador quickly turned into an economic and cultural hub. The foundation of its prosperity was trade: sugar cane, as well as gold and diamonds, were exported through the port. A tragic but significant page in history was the city's transformation into the first and largest slave market in the New World, where Africans were brought en masse from 1558 to work on plantations. This led to the formation of the city's unique cultural identity, where European, African, and Indigenous traditions are closely intertwined. By 1552, the first Catholic diocese in Brazil was founded here, cementing Salvador's role as the country's religious center.

Key Milestones in the History of Salvador

• 1549 — On March 29, Tomé de Sousa founds the city, which becomes the first capital of colonial Brazil.
• 1551 — The Catholic Diocese of São Salvador da Bahia is established, the first in Brazil.
• 1558 — Salvador becomes the largest slave market in the New World, which defines its future economic and cultural development.
• 1624-1625 — The city was temporarily captured by the Dutch but was subsequently reclaimed by combined Spanish-Portuguese forces.
• 1763 — Salvador loses its status as the capital, which is transferred to Rio de Janeiro, leading to a slowdown in its economic growth.
• 1798 — The "Tailors' Conspiracy" (Conjuração Baiana) takes place, one of the first popular uprisings in Brazil for independence and the abolition of slavery.
• 1822-1823 — Residents of the city wage a fierce struggle for independence from Portugal, which concludes on July 2, 1823; this date becomes the main holiday of the State of Bahia.
• 1835 — The Malê Revolt breaks out — the largest uprising of Muslim enslaved people in the history of Brazil, which had a strong impact on society.
• 1873 — The famous Lacerda Elevator opens, connecting the Upper and Lower City.
• 1985 — The historic center of Salvador, Pelourinho, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique colonial architecture.
• Early 1990s — A large-scale restoration program for the historic center begins, giving a powerful boost to tourism development in the city.

Economic and Urban Evolution

Although Salvador is known to the world for its colonial charm, its recent history is a dynamic process of transformation into a modern metropolis. Over the past centuries, this city in Brazil has undergone several powerful transformations that have radically changed its economy and appearance, going far beyond tourist postcards.

• Birth of the Oil Industry (1939). A turning point in the economy not only of the city but of the entire country. In the Lobato district, a suburb of Salvador, the first Brazilian oil was discovered. This event kickstarted the development of the energy sector and attracted investment to the region, beginning a gradual transition from an agrarian model to an industrial one.
• Creation of the Industrial Pole (1978). The opening of the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex (Polo Petroquímico de Camaçari) in the city's metropolitan area became a driver for explosive population growth and urbanization. The creation of thousands of jobs led to the formation of a new middle class and the expansion of the city limits, forever changing the social structure of the region.
• The Axé Phenomenon and Commercialization of Carnival (1980s). During this period, the Axé music genre was born, transforming street festivities into a giant entertainment industry. Salvador's Carnival transformed into a professionally organized event of global scale, becoming a powerful engine of the tourism economy.
• Transport Revolution (2014). For the FIFA World Cup, the metro system (CCR Metrô Bahia) was launched. This long-awaited project connected the historic center with the airport and distant districts, significantly improving mobility for residents and tourists suffering from heavy traffic.
• Modern Revitalization (since 2016). A large-scale program to renew the waterfronts, particularly the Barra and Rio Vermelho districts, turned them into comfortable public spaces with bicycle paths and recreation zones, making the city more convenient for pedestrians and an active lifestyle.

Architectural Chronicle: From Baroque to Modernism

The architectural appearance of the city of Salvador is a visual reflection of its rich history and unique geography. The landscape, which divided the polis into the Upper City (administrative and spiritual center) and the Lower City (trading port), dictated special conditions for urban planning. Brazil carefully preserves here one of the most significant collections of colonial architecture in the Americas, where eras flow harmoniously into one another.

The development of the urban environment can be traced through the succession of key styles, each of which left its mark on the streets of the first capital:

• Mannerism and Early Baroque (16th–17th centuries). The period of the city's founding and fortification. The architecture of this time is distinguished by monumentality and strict forms inherited from Portuguese architects. A striking example is the Cathedral Basilica (Catedral Basílica), whose facade of Lioz stone demonstrates the grandeur and restraint of that era.
• High Baroque and Rococo (17th–18th centuries). An era of flourishing associated with wealth from the sugar trade. Buildings of this period, especially in the Pelourinho district, are characterized by lavish decor and intricate carving. The pinnacle of the style is considered the Church and Convent of São Francisco, the interior of which is abundantly covered in gold, embodying the luxury of a colonial power.
• Neoclassicism (19th century). At this time, the city began to expand, and tastes shifted toward European rationality. Neoclassical buildings with their symmetry and columns began to appear predominantly in the Lower City, in the Comércio trading district, as well as in the residential mansions of the nobility who wished to follow imperial fashion.
• Art Deco and Eclecticism (early 20th century). A period of infrastructure modernization. The most recognizable symbol of this stage was the reconstruction of the famous Lacerda Elevator in 1930, which acquired its current geometrically strict Art Deco appearance, becoming a visual dominant of the coastline.
• Modernism (mid to late 20th century). With population growth, the city went far beyond its historical boundaries. In new districts, concrete high-rises and administrative complexes appeared, inspired by the ideas of modern Brazilian architecture, combining functionality with the tropical climate.

Today, Salvador represents an open-air museum where, walking from the port to the top of the hill, the tourist takes a journey through time: from colonial forts to modern avenues.

Distinguished Personalities of Salvador

Salvador, the first capital of Brazil and its cultural heart, has given the world many talented and influential people. Their contributions span literature, music, art, and public life, reflecting the unique spirit of this city.

• Jorge Amado (1912–2001) — Writer. One of the most famous Brazilian novelists of the 20th century, whose works have been translated into dozens of languages. In his books, such as "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands" and "Captains of the Sands," he colorfully described the life, culture, and social issues of Bahia, making Salvador and its residents known to the whole world. Amado died in Salvador, the city that was his main source of inspiration.
• Gregório de Matos (1636–1696) — Poet. Considered one of the first great Brazilian poets of the colonial period, a bright representative of the Baroque style. He was born in Salvador and became famous for his satirical works in which he criticized the church, the government, and societal morals, earning the nickname "Mouth of Hell" (Boca do Inferno).
• Dorival Caymmi (1914–2008) — Composer and singer. Born in Salvador, he is one of the founding fathers of modern Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). His songs, praising the sea, fishermen, and the culture of Bahia, have become classics and an integral part of Brazilian identity.
• Gilberto Gil (born 1942) — Musician and politician. Born in Salvador, Gil became one of the leaders of the "Tropicália" movement in the 1960s, which revolutionized Brazilian music. A Grammy Award winner, he also served as Brazil's Minister of Culture, promoting the country's cultural diversity on the world stage.
• Caetano Veloso (born 1942) — Musician and writer. Although born in the neighboring town of Santo Amaro, his creative development is inextricably linked to Salvador, where he studied and met Gilberto Gil. Together, they became key figures of the "Tropicália" movement. Veloso is recognized as one of the greatest Brazilian singer-songwriters, whose influence on music and culture is immense.
• Irmã Dulce Pontes (1914–1992) — Nun, Saint of the Catholic Church. Known as the "Good Angel of Bahia," she was born in Salvador and dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick. She founded the charitable organization Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID) — one of the largest healthcare systems in Brazil, which continues to provide free medical care to thousands of people today.
• Adriana Lima (born 1981) — Supermodel. Born and raised in Salvador. She became world-famous as one of the most celebrated Victoria's Secret "Angels," being one of the most successful and highest-paid models in the world and bringing fame to her hometown on the international fashion stage.