Private Walking Tour of Salvador

Praca Terreiro de Jesus

The Historical Tour takes place at the vibrant old city, Pelourinho, a UNESCO heritage site since 1985. The tour starts at Terreiro de Jesus Square, one of the 3 important squares in the old city. There is located 3 churches, including the Cathedral of Salvador, and a building where was the first Medical School in Brazil. We recommend a visit to the Cathedral and its beautiful decoration and Sacristy (Admission fee not included). On the way down to Pelourinho Square, we walk through the cobbled streets, seeing craftwork, admiring the colorful colonial houses, feeling the rhythm of the city.

Pelourinho Square is the main square in the old city and one of the landmarks of Salvador. There we see The Mother of Rosary from the Blacks Church, or “The Blue Church”, a very important monument from the period of slavery in Brazil. From there we can also see the other side of the old city, named Carmo, with the view of 3 Churches. We walk up to the Carmo Street, where we see the N. Sr. dos Passos Church and its famous stairs. Usually, this square is a busy area, with tourists and locals, where you can feel the rhythm of drums from the unique Afro-Reggae music.

Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco

From there we walk up, always through the cobbled streets, to the 3rd. main Square, Cross Square. There is located one of the most impressive and rich churches of Brazil, the Saint Francis Church and Convent, with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior, and a porch with the famous Portuguese hand-painted tiles. We recommend a visit (entrance fee around 1 Euro). It will be given about 20 minutes free at this square, so you have time to drink a refreshing coconut water if you like, and enjoy the area.