by Pelourinho It's certainly one of the main tourist attractions of Bahia's capital. Furthermore, it's located near the Lacerda Elevator and is part of the Historic Center. Therefore, this post will help you get to know Pelourinho, as it's affectionately known, better. So, get your notepad ready to plan your itinerary. What to do in Pelourinho even better.
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How to get to Pelourinho
To get to Pelourinho you have a few options. If you're going by bus, Take a bus line that goes to Barroquinha and get off at the Baixa dos Sapateiros stop. From there, walk up the hill to Largo do Pelourinho. Another option, if you want to visit the Mercado Modelo, which is in Comércio, is to take the Elevador Lacerda (R$ 0.15) and continue towards Praça da Sé.
Overall, I recommend you take an Uber. There are parking garages, but they charge a lot, probably because they know it's very difficult to find parking in the area.
Why did Pelourinho receive this name?
Unfortunately, the origin of the name is sad. It comes from the wooden column used to torture slaves when the Portuguese came to Brazil. In other words, they "imported" this method during the colonial period, and this punishment was carried out in public squares. And the name has remained ever since.
Fortunately, Pelourinho now represents joy, is a symbol of tourism, and is considered a cultural heritage site.
Places to visit for first-time visitors
Pelourinho is huge, so I don't think you can see everything in just one day. Thinking of those of you going for the first time, I'll list the places I would prioritize.
- Jorge Amado House Foundation
- Benin House
- Carnival House
- Church and Convent of Saint Francis
Jorge Amado House Foundation
The Jorge Amado House Foundation is located in Largo do Pelourinho. In other words, it always appears in photos because it's in the center of the square. Founded on March 7, 1987, it is dedicated to preserving the works and artistic collection of Jorge Amado, one of the greatest figures from Bahia of all time.
In addition to showcasing the writer's personal belongings and key moments in his career, the location offers a privileged view of Pelourinho and even a glimpse of the Bay of All Saints. In other words, take advantage of the balconies to capture incredible photos as souvenirs. Furthermore, it has a panoramic elevator for people with disabilities.
There's also a shop for purchases and a cafeteria if you want to take a break for a snack.
Therefore, it's well worth including for those "making their debut" in Pelourinho. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, with admission at R$10, but students and people over 60 pay half price. Every Wednesday is free..
Benin House
It is located at the entrance to Largo do Pelourinho and near the entrance for those coming from Baixa dos Sapateiros. It strengthens Afro-Brazilian ties by making this connection between Benin, an African country, and our country. It has about 200 pieces that were collected by the photographer Pierre Verger.
Colorful fabrics are the house's trademark and are the work of designer Goya Lopes. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
Carnival House
Located next to the Plano Gonçalves Dias, the Casa do Carnaval (Carnival House) is a great option to learn more about the history of the world's most famous popular festival. After all, it spans decades of history, and the house honors various artists who contributed to these great moments. Therefore, the space displays costumes, videos, audios, and materials to relive these periods.
Furthermore, you can choose some great carnival classics and dance in a room reserved especially for that purpose. And you finish the visit with the terrace which has a beautiful view of the Comércio district and the Bay of All Saints.
It operates from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm) and the ticket costs R$$ 20 full price, but residents of Salvador, students and seniors pay half price and at Wednesdays are free. So, you can set aside this day to enjoy this itinerary in Pelourinho without spending money on admission, right?
Places that aren't so well-known, but are worth visiting.
If you've been to Pelourinho several times, you'll be surprised by some of the lesser-known places that are well worth a visit. Therefore, I've separated this section for those who have been to the historic center many times but, for some reason, haven't visited any of the places listed below. All museums mentioned as of December 2022., They are requiring the use of masks. to comply with the state decree.
Solar Ferrão Cultural Center
I always walked past it, but this time I saw it was open. The place houses the collection of African art that Claudio Masella established with the aim of reinterpreting the concept in people's minds, which, unfortunately, they associate with something "bad".
Therefore, the exhibition features three rooms and nearly 200 pieces, making it worth a more leisurely visit.
Udo Knoff Museum of Tiles and Ceramics
This space is dedicated to bringing together the collection of the German ceramist Udo Knoff, who lived a large part of his life in Salvador. It features works made by Knoff himself and various tiles, jugs, and ceramic tiles of different nationalities from abandoned or demolished houses in cities in Bahia.
It's located in a yellow building, without any signage, near the gallery. Menelaw Sete.
On the second floor is an exhibition of a work by Max Urban, located in the Lacerda Elevator. There isn't much information about Max, nor about his genre.
Entry is free and it's open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm.
National Museum of Nursing
MuNEAN is dedicated to telling the story of nursing in Brazil. Its patron is Anna Nery, with a space dedicated to recounting her life story. When I visited, I had a guided tour of each of the spaces, and admission is free.
It operates on Mondays from 12:00 PM to 4:45 PM.
Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM
Museum of Bahian Gastronomy
This museum is located in Largo do Pelourinho and is probably not very well known. Therefore, it's worth including in your itinerary to learn more about the history of popular foods.
It consists of exhibitions, a restaurant, a museum, and galleries. The best part is that it is... free to visit.
It operates daily from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Terreiro de Jesus
Terreiro de Jesus brings together other iconic places such as the first Medical School in Brazil, the Primatial Cathedral-Basilica of São Salvador, Cravinho (a bar specializing in cachaça and other distilled spirits), and is also connected to Praça da Sé, Largo do Pelourinho, and other routes in the Historic Center.
Largo Cruzeiro de São Francisco
The Church and Convent of São Francisco is the main attraction in this area. The entrance fee is R$ 5.
Where to eat in Pelourinho
Because it's a very popular tourist spot, it's natural that bars and restaurants have slightly higher prices for their dishes. I did have the opportunity to have lunch there, but... Soteropobretano always indicates the Axego Restaurant And the Hausa rice. It's located on Maciel de Cima street, behind Terreiro de Jesus.
A restaurant located in Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco is... Black Rome. I only went at night, but I liked the atmosphere and the service.
Is Pelourinho dangerous?
Many people still perceive the area as dangerous, as it was once a "trademark" of the Historic Center. Therefore, Pelourinho has become one of the most heavily policed areas in Salvador. Even so, it is recommended that you always keep an eye on your surroundings.
Ultimately, violence isn't unique to this city; the whole of Brazil is like this. Furthermore, don't mistake the persistence of street vendors to sell as a "threat," despite a viral video showing a tourist being frightened by their approach. I believe that politely refusing, if you don't want to buy, is the best option.
So, enjoy Pelourinho with your friends and family, but keep an eye on your surroundings when you want to take a picture, for example. Also, ignore any advice from taxi drivers, Uber drivers, hotel staff, and the like who might try to scare you when talking about the place.
Want more tips on places to enjoy in Salvador? Buy my e-book. Enjoying Salvador and receive a ready-made itinerary of up to six days on where to go in the capital of Bahia for only R$ 18. Buy now.
How to hire a tour guide for a visit to Pelourinho.
In my opinion, Pelourinho is too large to explore in just one day. Therefore, if you'd like to hire a tour guide to show you the history of various historical sites in more detail, just... Talk to me on WhatsApp.
If you're going to spend several days in Salvador and want to know about other tours, just... read this post with many more tips.
If you'd like to "take a look" at some of the places mentioned in the text, I invite you to watch the video below, which is one of several I've posted about Pelourinho. To see the others, Choose from this list..
