Much more than just crafts!

About the tour

Start at Mercado Modelo … or finish there!

It is a market that houses 263 stores, which offer the largest variety of handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs from Bahia, as well as restaurants. If you will continue walking, then it’s better not buy too much and reduce the weight. But if taking souvenirs to everyone is your profile and part of the fun, then it’s better to end your day there. In this case, add to your list an ice-cold drink on the balcony of the restaurant upstairs: the view from where the boats of the Nautical Terminal anchor is quite cool.

A market for shopping, but full of mysteries

It’s architecture is of the neoclassical style, with more than 8 thousand square meters, and it was once the Customs of Salvador, but you probably know that already. Here, we’ll tell you the must-have tips! So be sure to go to the basement. With a controversial history regarding the slave trade, the place is dark, and the story seems to be stuck on the walls: you feel the importance and the magnitude just going down there.

Leaving from there, you face your next point: the Lacerda Elevator. But stretch a little further around, right there, on the right side, there is the 2nd Naval District Command. Two points of interest: the Market Ramp Fountain or Monument to the City of Salvador, by Mário Cravo. He was the first generation of modernist plastic artists from Bahia, along with Carlos Bastos and Genaro de Carvalho. The other point, which few pay attention to, is the “print” formed by the Portuguese stones of the pavement. They are huge, repeating anchors that form a very beautiful pattern. If you are traveling with a drone, take a picture from above. Nothing trivial, right ?!

Mosaic of Portuguese stones … just look fondly at the city. Beautiful things sprout in every corner! Photograph: Fábio Marconi

Across the street, situated at the bottom of the mountain that connects the Upper City to the Lower City, is the Basilica of Our Lady of Conceição da Praia, the third one built on the site. From there comes out one of the greatest religious celebrations: Lavagem do Bonfim. The cortege, the delegations, the offerings baskets, the baianas and the electric “coffee carts” with very loud sound leave from this Church. The many bereguedês and microtrios also leave from there, in the walk until the Bonfim Church. This church also has its own celebration: December 8 is the Day of Our Lady of Conceição da Praia, Patroness of Bahia.

Basilica of Our Lady of Conceição da Praia. Photo: Fábio Marconi

Just in the same sidewalk, walk a few meters, reserve R$ 0.15 cents, and go up to the Upper Town. Let’s meet the Lacerda Elevator. From the Upper City, you have one of the most breathtaking views of the Bay of All Saints. From there, you walk to the famous Pelourinho, just next to the square. Up there, there is the Ribeira Ice Cream Parlor. Try the pitanga ice cream, it’s delicious! Do you want to know more about the Lacerda Elevator? Then click on this link and get more information.

Service:

Mercado Modelo opening hours: open every day. From Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Sundays, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Lacerda’s elevator
Ticket: R$ 0.15 cents each trip.
Opening hours: every day, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight during Carnival days).
Accessibility: path with difficulties and very high parapet for wheelchair.
From the Lower City: Praça Visconde de Cayru, Comércio. From the Upper Town: Municipal Square (Thomé de Souza Square), Historical Center, Salvador.

By Fernanda Slama
Content Coordinator

Photos: Fábio Marconi