Jacobina

Jacobina is an administrative municipality in the state of Bahia, located roughly 330 kilometers northwest of Salvador at an elevation around 646 meters (2,100 feet). The landscape features mountains, hills, and several waterways that flow through the territory divided into five districts.

The Portuguese Crown formally established the municipality through a royal charter in 1720, following the discovery of gold that drew hundreds of prospectors to the area. Earlier decades had seen indigenous communities inhabit the region before mining activity accelerated settlement.

Streets carry names recalling early settlers, while residents in the higher districts today often cultivate small gardens with fruit trees. In some neighborhoods, traditional craft skills pass from generation to generation, and families gather in the squares on weekends for conversation and shared meals.

The five districts spread across a broader area, so visiting outlying parts such as Catinga do Moura or Itaitu requires extra travel time. Those exploring the higher elevations should prepare for shifting temperatures and uneven terrain.

Forested areas support numerous plants from the Myrtaceae family and several orchid species adapted to the elevation. This vegetation reflects a particular microclimate distinct from drier regions farther east.

Location: Bahia

Inception: 1880

Elevation above the sea: 646 m

Shares border with: Capim Grosso, Serrolândia, Várzea Nova, Caém, Miguel Calmon, Mirangaba, Ourolândia, Quixabeira, Saúde, Várzea do Poço

Website: http://jacobina.ba.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -11.18083,-40.51778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:25