African Roots Tour
- Sep 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Salvador
About the Tour
The purpose of this visit is to explore the places where the African roots of Salvador are most evident. Special attention is given to Largo do Pelourinho, whose name originated from the pillory where slaves were tied and whipped. This was located in the main square, in front of the central market, where Africans brought as slaves were sold. Today, this area has become a symbol of Bahia’s Black movement.
Departure from the hotel with a guide towards the Historic Center. Stop at Praça da Sé, where the walking tour begins. Passing through Terreiro de Jesus, a square surrounded by colonial houses. There stands the building that once housed the old Medical School and now hosts three museums, including the Afro-Brazilian Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the city’s African heritage and admire the wooden panels representing the orixás, carved by Carybé, Salvador’s most celebrated visual artist.
Next, visit the Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos, founded in 1832, 56 years before the abolition of slavery in Brazil. Originally composed of former slaves, the society’s mission was to support the liberation of those still enslaved.
Walking through the slopes of the Historic Center, one can admire the architectural ensemble of colorful two- and three-story houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. The tour then reaches Largo do Pelourinho, where visitors enter the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, built by slaves and freed Blacks beginning in the 18th century and completed a century later.
Near the church is the Casa do Benin, a cultural space that unites Afro-Brazilian culture with that of Benin (formerly Dahomey), homeland of many Africans brought to Brazil. Stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to visit one of the socio-educational projects based in Pelourinho. A walk through the Historic Center also allows visitors to enjoy the work of painters, sculptors, and other artists – most of them descendants of enslaved Africans, just like the majority of Salvador’s population, making it the Blackest city in Brazil. Visit to the Capoeira Fortress. At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.
Casa do Benin is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tour Duration: approx. 8 hours (including meal)
Departures and Arrivals: Salvador (hotel or airport)
Tip: Avoid Sundays and long holidays.
Schedule: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (including meal)
Lunch: included (Typical Bahian cuisine)
Group Tour
Available for booking from 5 adults
Includes: Afro-Brazilian Museum, Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, Casa do Benin, Social Project, Capoeira Fortress
Shared small-group tour (up to 15 people)
Private Tour
Available for booking from 1 adult
Includes: Afro-Brazilian Museum, Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, Casa do Benin, Social Project, Capoeira Fortress
Exclusive private tour
Contact us and book your tour!
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