Accommodation options in Salvador, Bahia When planning your stay in Salvador, choosing the right neighbourhood makes all the difference in getting the most out of the city. In this quick guide, you will discover which neighbourhoods are best suited to those seeking beaches, cultural immersion or nightlife — and you […]
The Portuguese in North America The Portuguese presence in North America dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, a period marked by intense maritime exploration. Motivated by the search for new trade routes and the desire to expand geographical knowledge, Portuguese navigators were pioneers in various areas of the […]
Bahia boasts some of Brazil’s most stunning coastal scenery: beaches where colourful cliffs meet white sands, reefs form natural pools of crystal-clear water, and rivers flow into the sea between coconut groves and wild trails. From secluded coves with little infrastructure to stretches of sand perfect for snorkelling and contemplation, […]
The discovery of the sea route to India was a decisive milestone in the age of great navigation. At the end of the 15th century, the search for direct trade routes to the rich eastern lands became a priority for European powers, especially Portugal. Driven by the growing demand for […]
Map of Europe from 1644 (circa) This classic map of Europe is presented in the carte-de-figures style with vignettes on three sides. The upper frieze has nine bird’s-eye views of Amsterdam, Prague, Constantinople, Venice, Rome, Paris, London, Toledo and Lisbon. The side borders contain the costumes of the noblemen and […]
The exploration of the west coast of Africa was a milestone in Portuguese maritime expansion in the 15th and 16th centuries, driven by economic, strategic and scientific motivations. The initiative of Prince Henry and the expeditions of navigators such as Gil Eanes, Diogo Cão and Bartolomeu Dias opened up new […]
The Atlantic islands — Madeira, Porto Santo, the Azores and Cape Verde — played a central role in the early days of Portuguese maritime expansion. This text presents their discovery, the model of exploration adopted, the economic activities implemented and the demographic consequences that led to emigration to the mainland […]
Map of the Azores from 1584 Map of the Azores based on the cartography of Luis Teixeira. The islands are shown in good detail and the map is richly embellished with three large ornate cartouches, a title banner, sailing ships and a sea monster. “Acores Insulae”, Ortelius, Abraham. Publication: Theatrum […]
Map of Madeira and the Canary Islands from 1692 (circa) Map details the Canary Island group on the left side of the map. The map is filled with rhumblines, fleur-de-lis and many notations and includes a portion of the African coastline. With two large inset charts filling the right half […]
Map of West Africa and the Cape Verde Islands from 1699 Map of the important Cape Verde Islands and the opposite African coast from Cap Blanc to Sierra Leone. There is a lot of detail along the African coastline, with numerous cities, capes, rivers, and more identified. A fancy decorative […]
Map of the Cape Verde Islands, 1697 A large copper engraved sea chart of the Cape Verde Islands. A beautiful decorative title cartouche with a sea shell surrounds the title that rests above a scene of Poseidon, mermaids and horses. The chart is further adorned with two sailing ships and […]
Infante Dom Henrique, known as the ‘Navigator,’ was a central figure in the early days of Portuguese discoveries: born in 1394, he participated in the expedition to Ceuta and, as Master of the Order of Christ and 1st Duke of Viseu, founded a centre for nautical studies in the region […]
Navigation before the discoveries was a crucial period in maritime history, marked by innovations and adaptations that paved the way for the great explorations of the 15th century. During this time, Portuguese navigators began to improve their navigation techniques, developing more agile and resistant vessels, such as caravels, which became […]
Piauí brings together unique natural and historical attractions. In Teresina, you will find urban life and cultural centres; the Serra da Capivara National Park (São Raimundo Nonato) displays one of the largest collections of cave paintings in the world and archaeological sites recognised by UNESCO; and the coast offers the […]
Portugal’s first naval operations marked the beginning of the systematic use of the navy as a military and political instrument. Since the time of Afonso Henriques, ships and coastal pilots began to play a decisive role in combat, sieges of cities and protection of routes, supporting both offensive actions and […]
Portugal’s Maritime Expansion – Fishing as the origin of navigation The need to fish on the high seas led coastal communities to improve their vessels, navigation techniques, knowledge of winds and currents, and trade networks, which ultimately led to increasingly longer voyages and maritime exploration. 1. Dependence on Fishing Portugal, […]
Pernambuco is a state in north-eastern Brazil known for its rich combination of history, culture and diverse landscapes. It has a coastline with idyllic beaches and reefs — such as Porto de Galinhas and Praia dos Carneiros —, passes through the agreste with its lively popular traditions and reaches the […]
Summary of the History of the Church and Convent of Nossa Senhora da Palma Origins and foundation: construction began in the 17th century; there is controversy regarding dates and founders (1630, 1670 or 1693). Accounts, especially those of Friar Agostinho de Santa Maria, link the devotion to the Cruz Arrais […]
Maranhão is a state in northeastern Brazil marked by cultural and landscape diversity: it brings together colonial historic centres, popular festivals such as bumba-meu-boi, extensive mangroves, beaches and the famous Lençóis Maranhenses — dunes and freshwater lagoons unique in the world. The cuisine blends indigenous, African and Portuguese influences, and […]
Updated guide featuring visitor tips, addresses, suggested images and FAQs. Ideal for religious and cultural tourism in Salvador (BA). The 5 most visited churches in Salvador Basilica and Sanctuary of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Sanctuary of Santa Dulce dos Pobres (Sister Dulce) Church and Convent of São Francisco Primatial Cathedral […]
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
