The Facade Tiles of São Luís do Maranhão are symbols of the Luso-Brazilian heritage, combining aesthetic function and climate protection. They originated in Portugal in the 19th century and reflect Renaissance, Mannerist and Industrial styles. Present in thousands of buildings, they are part of the city’s historical heritage, recognised by […]
The sapphire is a blue variety of corundum and one of the most prized coloured gemstones in jewellery. In this guide, you’ll find out about the meaning of the sapphire, its properties and characteristics, its colours, origin, asterism (star sapphire), synthetic varieties, treatments, how it is graded, its use in […]
1713 Map of the Western Hemisphere A highly decorative and detailed map of the Americas, with the island of California prominently featured in the second Sanson model, with a heavily indented northern coast. The British colonies are limited to the east coast by Les Cinq Nationals Iroquoises, while the French […]
Jewellery made from different species of coral catches the eye with its colour, which ranges from deep red to pale pink and white. In this guide, you will learn what coral is, its properties and characteristics as a gemstone, the species most commonly used in jewellery (noble coral, bamboo coral, […]
Paraíba tourmaline is a variety of tourmaline that comes in neon blue, blue-green or green, and is one of the rarest and most highly prized gemstones in the world. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of its discovery in Brazil, its gemmological properties and characteristics, why it has […]
The diamond is the world’s best-known gemstone and the classic symbol of engagement jewellery. In this guide, you’ll learn about the characteristics of diamonds (composition, hardness, brilliance), the significance of the stone, how it features in jewellery, what the 4 Cs are (carat, colour, clarity and cut) and how to […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1609 Jodocus Hondius’ map of the Americas is one of the most elaborate examples of fine Dutch cartography. The decorations, including sea monsters, native birds, native canoes and sailing ships, were taken from De Bry’s Grand Voyages. Particularly noteworthy is the scene of the natives […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1714 Van der Aa’s unusual map of America was first published in 1714 and contains interesting geographical myths. In North America, California is shown as an island at the beginning of the Sanson shape, with an almost flat top starting at C. Mendocina. New Albion […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1550 Sebastian Munster (1489 – 1552) was one of the three most famous cartographers of the 16th century, along with Mercator and Ortelius. Munster’s Geographia and Cosmographia Universalis were two of the most widely read and influential books of the time. His editions of Ptolemy’s […]
1660 Map of the Western Hemisphere An unusual and splendid figurative map of the Americas. The map combines many different sources, including Luke Foxe’s model of the island of California. The only hint of the Great Lakes is a small L. Content at the end of the St Lawrence River. […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1587 This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on the future cartography of the New World. It was engraved by Frans Hogenberg and is largely based on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1631 This is the unusual and larger version of Merian’s map of the Americas. Merian’s bold engraving style copies the cartography of Jodocus Hondius’ 1631 map. North America is depicted with a prominent Virginia and an odd New England coastline. The west coast above California […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1744 This attractive map is a revision of old Homann’s 1710 map of America. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the west coast of North America, which here extends far to the west and north, with […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1719 This spectacular wall map is richly engraved in the tradition of Dutch cartography. Although the main focus of the map is the Americas, it also covers the entire Pacific, including the East Indies and Japan, and the entire Atlantic, including much of Western Europe […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1730 This attractive map is a revision of old Homann’s 1710 map of America. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the west coast of North America, which here extends far to the west and north, with […]
1697 Map of the Western Hemisphere This sumptuous map of the Americas features a dramatically decorative title cartouche depicting an Amazon queen surrounded by riches, a sugar cane field and exotic animals. Inserted in the cartouche is a small map of the coast of New Zealand. The cartography of North […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere 1579 This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on future cartography of the New World. The map is largely based on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of 1569. The most recognisable features of […]
The malachite stone is an unmistakable gemstone: its intense green colour, marked by stripes and rings of different shades, is unlike that of any other stone. In this guide, you’ll find out what malachite is, the meaning traditionally attributed to it, its gemmological properties and characteristics, its origin, its use […]
Map of Brazil from 1747 Copper engraved map with good detail along the coast with dozens of place names. The map covers the region between northern Paraguay and north to the mouth of the Amazon. A large inset of the island of Santa Catarina fills the empty ocean. In a […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1592 This engraving is part of a remarkable series of publications illustrating voyages of discovery and exploration in different parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. Together they […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
The history of Lençóis, in Bahia, begins with diamond mining. The origins of the town are linked to the discoveries made in 1844 in Mucugê and
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
