Feel the spirit of colonial Brazil in Salvador

Salvador is undoubtedly the most colourful of all Brazilian cities. Having found yourself here, you will further have no troubles with understanding typical Brazilian psychology and peculiarities of their national character. Salvador is the key, which opens the door to this magic country. Only after having visited Salvador can you decide whether you like Brazil or not.
The spirit of the times when this city was the country's capital still fills the air. Of course, it is not as magnificent as it used to be, but the atmosphere of the old colonial Brazil is felt on every street, in each house.
It is in Salvador district, a bit closer top the coast that a valiant man, Pedro Cabral has landed, which meant the discovery of Brazil for the Europeans.
Salvador was founded half a century later after the first colonists landed here in 1549. From the very beginning, Bahia became the arena for cruel fights, first with Caeté Indians that were almost completely extirpated, then with Dutchmen. Some time later Salvador was turned into a first-rate naval base and an unassailable Portuguese bastion. The city had been the capital of Brazil prior to 1763, when this position was given to Rio-de-Janeiro.
Salvador was built on a high slope of the All Saints' Bay. That is why the city is divided into Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town, or Cidade Alta, and in particular its oldest district - Pelhurinho, has always been called the centre for the state, administrative and the spiritual life. Here the governor's residence and the cathedral are situated, and it is here that the richest Brazilian families lived. Local Baroque houses are still among the best characteristic architectural examples in the New World. In our times, everything is the same as it was in the 18th century. So, anyone can easily see how the classic European colonial-style house looked like some 300 years ago. If you want to discover the true Brazil, Brazil of the times of slave-trade and sugar boom, gold rush and developing of Amazonia, missing this place would be an inexcusable folly.
Built a bit later, the Lower town, or Cidade Baixa, became the advanced defense line for the whole Bahia, and also the living place for the lower class and the commoners. Here numerous markets and stalls, docks, barns and port constructions were built. But the main thing is, a chain of well-fortified forts was built here. With their help, Salvador became almost inaccessible for the sea attack. Moreover, they were the observation and signal stations.
To overcome the 50-meter distance between the Upper and the Lowers towns, there was a special elevator - Lacerda built here, which can be named the very centre of the modern city, as roads disperse from it in all the directions. Lacerda faces Rio Branco palace - the most expressive and pompous building in Salvador. For many years, this building had been the governor's residence, was reconstructed several times, and, finally, was turned into the museum of the Brazilian state. It is also considered to be the first Bahia administrative building.
The city if Salvador also offers lots of other attractions to see, including San Francisco golden church - the most popular city church, Afro-Brazil Museum and Archaeology museum. Also, the city boasts of its rich nightlife. Some Pelourinho district nightclubs offer live music whereas in Rio Vermelho and Pituba districts more expensive venues are found.
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