Palaces in Salvador to visit and learn about Brazil's history

The palaces of Salvador bear witness to centuries of history, boast imposing architecture and today house museums, events and serve new purposes.

The palaces of Salvador have hosted royalty, hold great stories within them and today fulfil various functions: museums, event venues and properties with an uncertain future.

Discover the architecture and history of the palaces in Salvador

Palacio Rio Branco em Salvador09:07

Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador - Vitral alegórico e adornos do teto e paredes integram o patrimônio arquitetônico do palácio.

Palácio Rio Branco vira hotel03:08

Palacio da Sé ou Palácio Arquiepiscopal de Salvador02:41

1. Palace of Acclamation

Once the residence of Miguel Francisco Rodrigues de Morais, the palace was converted in 1912 into the official residence of the governors — based on designs by the architect Filinto Santoro — and was officially occupied between 1917 and 1967. It has welcomed distinguished visitors, such as Queen Elizabeth II (1968).

Since 1990, it has operated as a museum, with its collection spread over two floors (furniture from the reigns of King John I and Louis XV, bronze, crystal and porcelain pieces, Persian rugs and paintings by Presciliano Silva).

Highlights: a Baccarat crystal chandelier in the Great Hall, neoclassical décor and the Banquet Hall. It is currently undergoing renovation but continues to host cultural events, temporary exhibitions and private ceremonies.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 1 pm–7 pm (when open).

Address: Av. Sete de Setembro, 1330 – Campo Grande.

2. Rio Branco Palace

Palácio Rio Branco, Salvador — Rio Branco Palace, Salvador

Built following the city’s foundation (1549) on the orders of Tomé de Souza, the building served as the seat of the Portuguese government and as a residence for governors and members of the royal family. Following a series of fires and reconstructions, it was reopened in an eclectic style (1919) and named in honour of the Baron of Rio Branco.

It has served as a barracks, a prison and the headquarters of institutions such as the Pedro Calmon Foundation; today it houses the Department of Culture and the Governors’ Memorial, with a collection that includes certificates, insignia, swords, books, photographs and personal effects belonging to the governors.

Interior do Palácio Rio Branco — Inside the Rio Branco Palace

Interesting facts and curiosities

Louis XV-style furniture on display in the Great Hall.
French mirrors framed in plaster and gilded with gold leaf.
The Pompeian Room: the oldest of the rooms, it survived the events of 1911–1912 and features frescoes inspired by Pompeii.
Collection: 1,845 items (most of which were donated by family members); 46 items are listed in the Pedro Calmon Foundation’s inventory.

The Pedro Calmon Foundation (1986) preserves and promotes this collection. There are plans to convert the palace into a luxury hotel; the Governors’ Memorial is to be housed in its own premises under the Foundation’s care.

Address: Praça Tomé de Souza, S/N – Centro.

Interior do Palácio Rio Branco (detalhes) — Interior of the Rio Branco Palace (details)

Figura mitologica Bacante pintada na parede do Salao Pompeano. Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador — A mythological figure of a Bacchante painted on the wall of the Pompeian Hall. Rio Branco Palace in Salvador

Vitral alegorico e adornos do teto e paredes integram o patrimonio arquitetonico do palacio. Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador — The allegorical stained-glass window and the ceiling and wall decorations form part of the palace’s architectural heritage. Rio Branco Palace in Salvador

Tela e adornos dos portais. Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador — Screen and portal decorations. Rio Branco Palace in Salvador

Mobiliario e painel assinado por Antonio Parreiras em 1930. Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador — Furniture and panel designed by Antonio Parreiras in 1930. Rio Branco Palace in Salvador

Estatua encravada na parede. Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador — Statue set into the wall. Rio Branco Palace in Salvador

Lustres-de-cristal. Palácio Rio Branco em Salvador — Crystal chandeliers. Rio Branco Palace in Salvador

3. Archbishop’s Palace (Cathedral Palace)

Palácio Arquiepiscopal (Palácio da Sé) — Archbishop’s Palace (Cathedral Palace)

Built in the 18th century in the Historic Centre, it is one of the finest examples of colonial civil architecture. With three storeys and four wings, it is notable for its Lioz stone portal bearing the coat of arms of Archbishop D. Sebastião Monteiro da Vide, and its galleries lining a central courtyard, which are influenced by Italian Renaissance palaces.

Interior do Palácio Arquiepiscopal de Salvador — Inside the Archiepiscopal Palace in Salvador

Reopened in December 2019 following restoration, it houses the Reference Centre for the History of the Catholic Church in Brazil, including the Rector Eugênio Veiga Conservation and Restoration Laboratory and more than 16,000 restored documents.

Address: Praça da Sé, 203-47 – Pelourinho, Salvador – BA, 40020-210

4. Solar Santo Antônio House-Museum

Casa-Museu Solar Santo Antônio — Solar Santo Antônio House Museum

A 19th-century building with a strong imperial influence, it houses the collection of Marchand Dimitri Ganzelevitch (over 4,000 items). It features a terrace overlooking the Bay of Todos-os-Santos and also serves as accommodation.

Área externa do Solar Santo Antônio em Salvador — The grounds of Solar Santo Antônio in Salvador

Visiting hours: by appointment.

Address: Rua Direita de Santo Antônio, 177 – Santo Antônio Além do Carmo.

5. Sports Palace

Palácio dos Esportes, Praça Castro Alves — Sports Palace, Castro Alves Square

Originally associated with the São João Theatre, the current building (dating from the 1930s, in the Art Deco style) once housed the Department of Agriculture and various sports federations. It currently serves as the Municipal Department of Sport, and there are proposals to sell it for use in the tourism sector.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.

Address: Praça Castro Alves, 01 – City Centre.