Madre de Deus, Island municipality in Bay of All Saints, Brazil
Madre de Deus occupies two islands in All Saints' Bay and forms a small municipality in northeastern Brazil. The settlement spreads across distinct neighborhoods on both islands, creating a geography shaped entirely by water.
Portuguese settlers founded this community in 1696 and it remained tied to Salvador's administration for centuries. Independence as a separate municipality came much later, reshaping the region's structure.
Fishing traditions shape daily life here, with families still using methods passed down through generations. You can see this heritage reflected in how the community interacts with the water and the rhythms of their day.
A bridge connects the islands to the mainland, making access straightforward for visitors. The location near Salvador means you can visit comfortably in a day trip or short stay.
At low tide, the water recedes enough to reveal a natural walking route between the islands and the mainland. This seasonal shift creates a temporary link that connects the separate land masses in a surprising way.
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