City

With 2.8 million people and 31.5 miles of beaches in the urban area, Salvador - the first capital of Brazil - has many natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

Founded in March/1549 by Thome de Souza and next to Todos os Santos Bay, Salvador gather port and location qualities that made it a reference for sailors, reason for which it became one of the most visited places in the New World and the first Portuguese metropolis in the American continent. The city holds a rich collection of colonial architecture, being the home of century old relics Its museums and palaces of architectural excellence let us know what the life was like in sumptuous and grand Salvador in the times when Brazil was a Colony and a Empire.

Its 31.5-mile coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The city geographical shape - triangular and surrounded by the sea on all 3 sides - offers privileged conditions to enjoy the sun, with an average temperature of 76ºF that varies little during the year and a soft breeze that blows constantly and makes for a very pleasant weather.

Itapua - The Neighborhood and the Beach

A traditional neighborhood of fishermen and raftsmen, the neighborhood that is home to the Mar Brasil Hotel is the favorite place of artists that cast its beauty into eternity in paintings, poems, and songs - examples of such artists are Dorival Caymmi, Pancetti, Vinicius de Moraes, Calazans Neto, and Carlos Bastos, many of whom became its residents.

A Itapua beach is fascinating due to its colors and warm waters protected by reefs and with tender waves, not to mention the natural pools that make the place an inspiring and pleasant scenario for swimming in the sea. In addition to Itapua Beach, the tourist can also get to know Praça Vinícius de Moraes, square, inaugurated in October/2003, a tribute to the poet and located across from the House where he lived for many years with actress Gesse Gessy and where he wrote some of his most beautiful songs. The House is part of the Mar Brasil Hotel and may be visited by its guests. The square's highlight is the natural sized bronze statue that portrays the singer and songwriter sitting, with one of his arms on a notebook and holding a pen. An empty chair is right beside it, inviting visitors to sit down and take pictures.

This neighborhood also holds the Abaete Lagoon, a lagoon with “dark water surrounded by white sand,” as described in the song by Dorival Caymmi. The Lagoon is located at Abaete Metropolitan Park, a famous postcard and a recreation center with touristy options, restaurants, and local ladies selling acaraje, coconut water, and typical sweets. By the Abaete Lagoon, the visitor may taste Cira's Acaraje, which is considered the best in Salvador.

For additional information on the city and the neighborhood of Itapua, go to: www.salvador.ba.gov.br
www.visitsalvadorbahia.com
www.turismo.salvador.ba.gov.br