Salvador Audio Tours

Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia, holds a significant place in the cultural and historical landscape of Brazil. Founded in 1549 by Tomé de Sousa, it became the first capital of Colonial Brazil and one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Initially inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the area saw European exploration as early as 1501, when Gaspar de Lemos arrived. The bay was named "Bay of All Saints" by Amerigo Vespucci in 1502, reflecting its religious significance to the European explorers.

The city was strategically established as a fortress, São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, serving as a crucial port for the slave trade and sugarcane industry. The layout of Salvador reflects its unique geography, divided into two distinct areas: the Upper Town (Cidade Alta) and the Lower Town (Cidade Baixa), connected by steep escarpments. This division not only facilitated trade but also established a social hierarchy that mirrored the colonial governance of the time.