World Heritage Identification Number: 309
World Heritage since: 1985
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇧🇷 Brazil
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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The Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia: A Blend of Cultures and Architectural Marvels
The Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, located in the western part of the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, stands as a testament to the rich cultural history and architectural prowess that defines this vibrant region. Officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, the centre, also known as the Pelourinho or Pelo, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the blend of European, African, and Amerindian influences that have shaped the city over time.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
As the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, Salvador de Bahia witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures. It was also, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations. The city has managed to preserve many outstanding Renaissance buildings. A special feature of the old town are the brightly coloured houses, often decorated with fine stucco-work.
Encyclopedia Record: Historic Center of Salvador
The Historic Center (US) or Centre (UK) of Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, also known as the Pelourinho or Pelo, is a historic neighborhood in western Salvador, Bahia. It was the city's center during the Portuguese colonial period and was named for the whipping post in its central plaza where enslaved people from Africa were publicly beaten as punishment for alleged infractions. The Historic Center is extremely rich in historical monuments dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries.Additional Site Details
Area: 200 hectares
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: -12.972917 , -38.512981
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© Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
