Salvador, founded in 1549 by Portuguese sailors, is commonly believed by most Brazilians to be the soul of Brazil. As the first city in Brazil it was to remain the seat of political, administrative and economic power until 1763 when the capital moved to Rio de Janeiro. Salvador was also the source of initial wealth of the colony through its massive sugar cane and tobacco plantations. Evidence of this golden era is to be seen in Salvador’s Pelourinho district, which houses one of the largest and best-preserved complexes of colonial architecture in the Americas.
Salvador, founded in 1549 by Portuguese sailors, is commonly believed by most Brazilians to be the soul of Brazil. As the first city in Brazil it was to remain the seat of political, administrative and economic power until 1763 when the capital moved to Rio de Janeiro. Salvador was also the source of initial wealth of the colony through its massive sugar cane and tobacco plantations. Evidence of this golden era is to be seen in Salvador’s Pelourinho district, which houses one of the largest and best-preserved complexes of colonial architecture in the Americas.
