The wooden staircase
Bo Bardi's work.
Lazaroagmenezes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0
Solar do Unhão is a colonial complex on the shore of the Bay of All Saints in Salvador, with a manor house, a small chapel, a private pier, a fountain and an aqueduct. Its land was given to the Benedictines in 1584; it takes its name from the judge Unhão who lived here in 1690, and its Portuguese tile panels and fountain date from the 18th century. In the 1960s the Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi restored it, keeping traces of its industrial past and adding a celebrated wooden staircase that became one of her best-known works, and it became the home of the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia; her restoration is counted among Brazil's first conversions of industrial buildings. Entry is free, there is a sculpture garden on the water, and it is most popular at sunset over the bay. The approach is along a fast avenue, so arriving by taxi is best.
Bo Bardi's work.
On the water.
Over the bay.
Avenida do Contorno, on the Bay of All Saints, Salvador
Elevador LacerdaThe Elevador Lacerda is a public lift 72 metres high that links Salvador's Upper14 minutes walk4.4
Mercado ModeloMercado Modelo is Salvador's best-known handicraft market, in the Lower City at 15 minutes walk4.3
Pelourinho (Historic Centre of Salvador)Pelourinho is the historic centre of Salvador, Brazil's first capital from 1549 18 minutes walkYes, Tuesday to Sunday 13:00-18:00; the best time is sunset over the bay.