@the_wanderlustista

class="content__text" Salvador, an architectural gem, is the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia. As one of the oldest cities in Brazil, founded in 1549 by Portuguese settlers, it served as the first capital of Brazil, and remained so until 1763. Much of the impressive, historic, and well-preserved Portuguese colonial and baroque architecture still exists. The cobblestoned streets and array of buildings from the 17th through the 19th centuries in the historic city center, Pelourinho, are considered the largest colonial set in the Americas. Pelourinho gets its name from the former whipping post in its central plaza where African slaves received punishment for various infractions (so sad to think about that happening). Salvador, one of the oldest cities in the New World, is the site of the first slave market on the continent. Now, this area, which is part of the Upper City (Cidade Alta), is a popular destination for lively music, delicious cuisine, and a roaring nightlife. It’s an easily walkable area of the city filled with vibrant and colorful buildings (like the ones you see in this picture), as well as churches, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The area was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, and is a focal point of the city’s tourism. As you might have noticed in the pictures I’ve posted on this account, I am a sucker for bright and bold colors. That being said, I really enjoyed walking aimlessly around Pelourinho for hours just taking in the historical buildings and gorgeous palette of colors. It was a beautifully rich experience! What are some of your favorite things to see when you travel?

February 24, 2017