Pelourinho, Historic district in Centro Histórico, Salvador, Brazil.
Pelourinho is a neighborhood in central Salvador with cobblestone lanes and buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The structures display bright colors like yellow, pink and blue, while narrow staircases connect different levels of the hilly terrain.
The neighborhood emerged in the mid-16th century as part of the first permanent Portuguese settlement in Brazil. For centuries wealthy merchants and officials lived here, until the area declined in the 20th century and was later restored.
The name means pillory in English and refers to a square where punishments once took place. Today musicians and dancers often perform in the streets, playing Afro-Brazilian rhythms that bring the neighborhood to life with sound.
The narrow lanes and staircases are best explored on foot, as cars rarely enter this area. Visitors who want to avoid the climb can use the Elevador Lacerda, which connects the lower city to the elevated center.
On some evenings groups perform capoeira, a martial art with acrobatic movements and music that blends African and Brazilian traditions. The demonstrations usually take place in open squares and onlookers often form a circle around the fighters.
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