Salvador (founded as São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos) is the capital of Bahia and the first capital of Brazil , with 2.7 million inhabitants is the most populated city in the Northeast of Brazil and the third . The story of Salvador began in 1510 , when a French ship sank in the Bay of All Saints , bringing on board one of the most important historical figures of colonization Bahia , Diogo Alvares , who became known as Caramuru . Along with India Paraguassu , whom he married , Caramuru played an important role in the history of the colonization of Bahia . Around 1536, the king of Portugal , D João III divided the Brazilian lands in hereditary captaincies . The owners of the captaincies were called grantees and Francisco Pereira Coutinho won part of the territory of Salvador , founded at the time as "Camp of Pereira ." Coutinho had the command of the Camp , later named " Old Town " until 1549 at the occasion of the arrival of Thomas de Souza , the first governor general of Brazil . Along with Tomé de Souza landed in Salvador six vessels with an entourage of about 10 thousand people to found under orders of the king of Portugal , the city of "San Salvador" .           The Bahia state capital has many wonderful tourist attractions, below we describe only the most important and interesting , we find in our journey to Bahia in the seventies:           Go to Salvador and fail the Pelourinho is almost a heresy , even in the Land of All Saints. The district , located in the historic center of Salvador, draws attention by colonial-style houses Baroque Portuguese and is part of the Heritage of the United Nations. The name dates back to the period of slavery, since that time the pillory was used , a column of wood or stone in the center of a square to punish the slaves.           The Barra Lighthouse, also known as Lighthouse of St. Anthony is one of the main post cards of Salvador . The tower which guided the craft to what was already one of the major ports of South America is 22 meters high and was built in the seventeenth century. On site, in addition to external beauty, you can access the nautical museum.           The Lacerda Elevator is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Salvador, but also serves as a means of transport for the population as a link between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. Facing the Bay of All Saints , the elevator offers stunning views and is an obligatory for every tourist in town.           Located in the Lower Town , the Model Market is the largest crafts mall in the country. In it over 260 shops selling typical products made ​​in Bahia and share space with restaurants and bars. The building constructed in 1861 was the third Salvador Customs and is listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan). At the site, can still be conferred artistic and cultural events.           The lagoon is a very well known for who goes to Salvador , despite being located 10 kilometers from downtown. Here, the tourist will find calm waters, white sands and palm trees to relax. With other lakes, the Abaeté is part of a conservation area.           Famous throughout Brazil and popular by the Lord of Bonfim ribbons, which are tied on the wrist after three wishes made, the Church of Our Lord of Bonfim, architectural and cultural monument, was built between 1745 and 1754. The objective was to house the image of Senhor Bom Jesus do Bonfim, brought from Lisbon. Pope Pius XI elevated the church to the Basilica in 1927. With neoclassical architecture and Rococo façade, this is one of the beautiful sights of the city.           Built originally as a small fort between 1538 and 1587, the Monte Serrat Fort was renovated 15 years later to raise their defensive power. It was known as the Fort of San Felipe, to have your name changed in the nineteenth century. It is a beautiful tourist spot, full of history. In 1638, it was occupied by the Dutch and housed the Prince Maurice of Nassau. There is the Museum of Weapons.           Next to the fort of Monte Serrat, Ponta do Humaita is known for its beautiful sunsets and the panoramic view of the Bay of All Saints and the city. In this region, with predominant architectural style of houses in the nineteenth century, is still a lighthouse built at the beginning of the last century, a monastery and the church of Monte Serrat.           The Bay of All Saints is the largest bay in Brazil, was sighted on November 1, 1501 on the expedition of Amerigo Vespucci, and named because of the date, where we celebrate the Day of All Saints. In the description of Amerigo Vespucci, the site was a large and beautiful bay, description and current, because until today the image draws attention of visitors to the city for the first time. His calm, clear waters are surrounded by the Atlantic, vast mangroves, salt marshes and coral reefs.           One of the most charming and bohemians places from Salvador, Praia da Ribeira is bounded by the Bay of All Saints and has a beautiful view of colonial houses and its islands . The site is one of the most frequented by sailors in the city due to the calm waters . In the past it was a well-known fishing village. Lupércio Mundim Source: Terra Turismo