Forte Santa Maria

Salvador


A 17th-century stone fortification that's administered by the Navy.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Salvador attractions

1. Forte São Diogo

0.19 MILES

It's worth the uphill hike to this 17th-century fort: from here, the views of the bay are fantastic.

2. Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra

0.41 MILES

Built in 1698, Bahia’s oldest fort is more commonly called the Farol da Barra for the lighthouse (South America’s oldest) within its walls. In addition to…

3. Museu Náutico da Bahia

0.41 MILES

This excellent nautical museum in Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra contains relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring, plus exhibits on the…

4. Museu Carlos Costa Pinto

0.78 MILES

This lovely two-story mansion houses some of Salvador’s finest decorative art, from the collection of the patrician couple Carlos de Aguiar Costa Pinto…

5. Museu de Arte da Bahia

0.93 MILES

Museu de Arte da Bahia showcases works from Bahian artists, with paintings by José Teófilo de Jesus (1758–1817) and drawings by Argentine artist Carybé…

6. Museu de Arte Moderna

1.76 MILES

Museu de Arte Moderna has a changing display of avant-garde exhibits (and erratic opening times). The hillside sculpture garden is a pleasant place to…

7. Solar do Unhão

1.76 MILES

This well-preserved, 18th-century complex served as a transfer point for sugar shipments: legend says it's haunted by the ghosts of murdered slaves. Today…

8. Elevador Lacerda

2.53 MILES

The beautifully restored, art deco Elevador Lacerda connects the Cidade Alta with Comércio via four elevators traveling 72m in 30 seconds. The Jesuits…