Salvador Architecture Guide: 25 Places to Visit in Brazil's First Capital

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Salvador is a city defined by a geological fault that divides it into two parts: the upper city (Cidade Alta) and the lower city (Cidade Baixa). Since the beginning of its colonization, this elevation change of approximately 80 meters has shaped distinct land-use patterns across the territory, which have evolved alongside the city's growth and expansion. The local landscape, however, is not only defined by this geological fault but also serves as an expression of different layers of history. Brazil's first capital, which celebrated its 470th anniversary this year, has historically embraced diverse architectural styles and movements, including Neocolonial, Baroque, Neoclassical, Eclectic, Modern, and Contemporary.

Whether you are planning a visit to Salvador or are a local resident looking to explore the city's architecture, the initiatives “Prédios de Salvador,” by architect Diego Viana, and “Arquitetura Soteropolitana,” by architect Manuel Sá, offer great opportunities. Both architects organize guided tours of modern and contemporary projects in the city via their Instagram profiles: @prediosdesalvador and @arquiteturasoteropolitana.

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Cite: Moreira, Susanna. "Salvador Architecture Guide: 25 Places to Visit in Brazil's First Capital" [Guia de arquitetura de Salvador: 25 lugares para conhecer na primeira capital do Brasil] 05 Jul 2026. ArchDaily. (Trans. Baratto, Romullo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1121633/salvador-architecture-guide-25-places-to-visit-in-brazils-first-capital> ISSN 0719-8884
Image credits: Architecture Paste Book (top left), Leonardo Finotti (bottom left), and Manuel Sá (right)

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