Pelourinho

Pelourinho is a historic neighborhood in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, Brazil. Located in the city’s Cidade Alta overlooking the Bay of All Saints, it forms part of the Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1985. The district is renowned for its dense concentration of 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture, colorful facades, and a network of narrow, cobblestone streets.

The name derives from the pillory that once stood in the main square as a symbol of colonial authority and punishment. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Pelourinho served as the administrative, religious, and commercial heart of Salvador, playing a central role in the sugar economy and the slave trade. The area flourished with churches, convents, and government buildings that remain evident in its urban fabric.

Notable landmarks include the Church of São Francisco, with its gilded interiors, and the Church and Convent of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, which reflect Afro-Brazilian religious life. The surrounding Largo do Pelourinho and nearby plazas host museums, cultural centers, and occasional outdoor performances that showcase Bahia’s music and arts scene. The district is also closely associated with Afro-Brazilian culture, including capoeira, dance, and traditional crafts.

In the late 20th century, Pelourinho underwent restoration and revitalization and today functions as a major cultural and tourist nexus. It stands as a symbol of Bahia’s history, blending heritage with contemporary arts within the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre.