Cathedral of Salvador, Primatial cathedral in Pelourinho district, Salvador, Brazil

The Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, is a Mannerist church built by the Jesuits. Its façade and other elements use Portuguese Lioz stone, and it strongly resembles the Jesuit Church of Coimbra. The interior has a large nave, baroque side altars, a sacristy, library, and ossuary. It faces the Terreiro de Jesus and overlooks the Bay of All Saints.

Construction started in 1657 after Dutch forces destroyed earlier buildings, with the work completed in 1672 under Jesuit direction. This rebuilding period shaped the religious landscape of the early colonial city.

The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Salvador, who is ex officio Primate of Brazil, and it serves as the parish church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Its name refers to the Transfiguration of Christ, to whom it is dedicated. The images of Saint Ignatius, Saint Francis Xavier, and Saint Francis of Borja were placed on the frontispiece in 1746.

You can walk through the sacristy with its copper artworks, attend mass services, or join guided tours of the religious complex. Set aside enough time to view the different chapels and their artworks at a comfortable pace.

Inside the sacristy sits an ornate wooden cabinet from 1694 decorated with carved scenes from the life of Jesus. This piece was created during the height of Portuguese colonial craftsmanship in Brazil.