Salvador was found by Tomé de Souza in 1549 and it was the first capital of Brazil until 1763. Considered today as the principal entrance gateway to Brazilian northeastern tourism, it is the third most populous Brazilian city, after São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Salvador gained fame for its rich religious influence. The typical and religious festivities, which have Carnival as its greatest event, extend throughout the whole year. The African influence, due to the slaves from Africa during the Portuguese colonial times, can be clearly noticed: the majority of the population is afro-descendant, the typical food, the music and the dance. The Portuguese influence can be observed in the architecture, religious festivities and military.
As a result of a defense strategy, the city was founded on a cliff, being today considered as composed of two parts: the high and the lower city. From there one also has a privileged view of the Bay of All Saints with its fortresses. The Fort of Santo Antonio da Barra (from 1598), that shelters the famous Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse). All the historical complex of Pelourinho is a very interesting visit. Apart from the Bonfim Church (a pilgrim center), there are other beautiful religious buildings such as the Convent of São Francisco.
Additional information can be found at http://www.bahiatursa.ba.gov.br.
To get a map of Salvador, please click here.
To get a pdf map of the region around the hotels, please click here.
See below a map of the region around the hotels:
View XXII Brazilian Algebra Meeting in a larger map.
The historical centre of Salvador is about 25 km from Itapuã beach. There are two restaurants, both of them about 6 km far from the Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort & Conventions: Mistura and Ki-Mukeka.