Archbishop's Palace of Salvador, Catholic palace and cultural center in Pelourinho district, Salvador, Brazil
The Archbishop's Palace is a three-story building with basement in the historic city center, marked by a Baroque stone portal with a carved coat of arms. Inside, a central courtyard brings natural light and air through all the levels.
Construction started after royal approval was granted in 1707 and finished in 1715 for Archbishop Sebastião Monteiro da Vide. The building served as the administrative and residential center for the church leadership.
The palace displays religious art and documents that show how the church shaped Brazil's formation and society. Visitors can see artifacts that reveal the deep connection between religious life and daily culture in colonial times.
The building is open to visitors and combines religious administration with cultural exhibitions and activities. The spaces spread across several floors, so comfortable shoes are helpful for exploring.
The central courtyard was designed following Italian style and was an innovative solution for ventilation and lighting of inner rooms. This design approach was uncommon in colonial buildings of that era.
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