From Barra beach to UNESCO-listed Pelourinho colonial old town, Salvador has the allures of two distinct destinations in its hilly snake along the coast.
The plan was to wander as whim took us, though São Francisco Church and Convent of Salvador was a must-see. Indeed it is one of most varied and interesting churches I have visited.
The district is above-average colonial old town, though very touristy and noisy. There are lots of street performers and vendors. The restaurants, in particular, had no allure. We were glad to be staying elsewhere.
Very long line for that elevator
Too bad it seems that fortress is closed to tourists
Well-preserved architecture
Overlooking the square
The main square
Fierce cherub
São Francisco Church and Convent of Salvador
São Francisco sculpture detail
Moralistic story illustrations ring the courtyard
Painter with umbrella hat
That's one way to catch the eye of passersby
How would you say the old town compares to, say, Quito’s, (which I seem to remember you visited)
@James K – you picked a stellar one. Quito I loved for the rolling hills and breathtaking mountaintop position. The whole city is colonial style. I had half a day to explore and wish I had a whole day.
Salvador has a lot of dumpy, congested areas then this compact core, which has the Art Deco part and then the colonial part. I had a whole day to spare but spent 2 hours. The distances in Brazil are so vast, and the costs so high, that if it hadn’t saved me a lot of miles and cash to travel via Salvador I probably would have skipped it. Part of this calculation is there is very little within the surrounding region to attract the tourist.
I have seen so many colonial cities that at this point I don’t make any special effort, but Quito is my top for South America. I certainly have not been to every city on the continent but have been to every country and seen a wide selection.