Founded in 1549, the city still retains the soul of Brazil today

Years ago, I visited a Brazilian city that captivated me with its vibrant atmosphere, but also with its remnants of history. It is still considered the “cradle of Brazil” and I am not surprised. Once you visit, you’ll understand why. What kind of city is it and why is it so magical?

I love discovering places that immediately give you a sense of history, which is boldly intertwined with modern times. Every street, every corner speaks of how history was made here. And I found one such place in Brazil. In 1549, the country’s very first capital was founded here. As I walked through it, I was drawn in by the energetic atmosphere and the melodies coming from every direction. After all, this is where Afro-Brazilian culture was born. This is the city we know today as Salvador.

Nowhere in the Americas can you find so much baroque architecture as in Salvador. The historic centre of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. In addition to its cultural value, the protected area is a picture of the development of society, since one of the largest slave markets in the New World operated here from 1558. Today, this dark side of the past takes on a profound significance as black culture dominates the area.

What monuments define the soul of El Salvador?

If I were to name the sights and places that most captivated me in El Salvador, several come immediately to mind. I was most impressed by the historic Pelourinho district, which is filled with museums, studios and serves as a stage for daily cultural events. At the same time, I love markets and shops with different products, which is why I was captivated by the Mercado Modelo. Here you can buy countless handicrafts, but also spices and aromatic herbs.

If you’re as fascinated by history as I am, you won’t know where to look before. Worth mentioning is definitely one of the world’s first urban elevators, the Elevador Lacerda, which connects the upper and lower parts of the city and offers a spectacular view of the city. Then, one of the greatest examples of Brazilian Baroque architecture is the Church of Saint Francis, also known as the “Golden Church”. The nickname is not a coincidence, as the interior is richly decorated with gold. Your feet should also head to the coast, where the Farol da Barra lighthouse stands. This historic fortress houses the Maritime Museum and offers the best views of the sunset. I can still remember standing here and letting the beauty of the setting sun engulf me as it seemed to disappear in a sea of colour and warmth.

A treat for the palate

I would not be far from the truth if I told you that you can enjoy Salvador with all your senses. Literally. The traditional music and sights are just one aspect, but the traditional cuisine, which mixes African, Portuguese and indigenous influences, also plays an important role. As you walk the streets you not only hear and see, but also taste. Stalls beckon with the aromas of diverse dishes that will assault your taste buds.

At every corner you will come across acarajé sold by women in traditional white dresses. It is a fried ball made of bean dough that is filled with spicy paste and shrimp. Another tasty and popular dish is moqueca, which is made from fish and seafood with tomatoes, coriander and palm oil. As soon as I tasted the first bites, I understood why the crowds of tourists gathered around the stalls. The food here doesn’t just serve to fill an empty stomach, it creates the identity of the place. In the end, I spent at least half an hour here chatting with the vendor and didn’t mind at all that we were talking on our hands and feet.

Experience Salvador

When I think of Salvador, an episode comes to mind. I was wandering the colorful streets and enjoying the present moment. I let the music, the smells and the feeling of bliss guide me. I happened to join a group of local dancers who were enjoying every note and movement. Although there were more tourists standing around, one of the dancers danced up to me and tried to lure me into their circle. At first I was reluctant, but eventually I let the joy and lively music consume me.