São Marcelo Fort: Salvador's Sea Sentinel
Explore Salvador's iconic cylindrical sea fort, a historical landmark with panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints.
Rising from the waters of the Bay of All Saints, São Marcelo Fort is a unique cylindrical fortress with a rich history. Built in the 17th century, it served as a vital defense for Salvador against invasions and attacks. Today, it stands as a historical landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Brazil's colonial past.
A brief summary to São Marcelo Fort
- Salvador, State of Bahia, BR
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful views.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the fort's history.
- Bring a camera; the views from the fort are stunning, especially at sunset.
- Check local event listings, as the fort often hosts cultural activities and performances.
Getting There
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Ferry
The primary way to reach São Marcelo Fort is by ferry from the Terminal Marítimo da Bahia (Bahia Maritime Terminal). From Praça da Sé in Salvador, walk approximately 10 minutes to the terminal. Purchase a ferry ticket to Ilha de São Marcelo. The ferry ride is about 15 minutes, offering scenic views of the bay. Upon arrival at the island, the fort is a short walk from the ferry dock. Ferry tickets cost approximately R$10-R$20.
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Walking
If you are near the waterfront, such as Elevador Lacerda or Mercado Modelo, you can walk to Terminal Marítimo da Bahia. From Elevador Lacerda, go to the lower city and follow signs to the ferry terminal, a 15-20 minute walk. From the terminal, take the ferry to São Marcelo Fort. Walking to the terminal is free. Ferry tickets cost approximately R$10-R$20.
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Public Transport
From locations further from the waterfront, take a bus to Praça da Sé. From Praça da Sé, walk to Terminal Marítimo da Bahia and take the ferry to São Marcelo Fort. Bus fares in Salvador are typically around R$4.50. Ferry tickets cost approximately R$10-R$20.
Discover more about São Marcelo Fort
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prefeitura Municipal de Salvador
0.8 km
A modern city hall in a historic square, the Prefeitura Municipal de Salvador blends contemporary design with the rich heritage of Brazil's first capital.
Praça da Sé - Comercio
0.8 km
Discover Praça da Sé in Salvador: a vibrant square where history, culture, and local life blend seamlessly in the heart of Bahia's capital.
Museum Eugenio Teixeira Leal
1.0 km
Explore Brazil's economic past through coins, medals, and historical artifacts at the Museum Eugenio Teixeira Leal in Salvador's Pelourinho.
Escadaria Sambazete
1.1 km
Discover Salvador's vibrant art scene at Escadaria Sambazete, a colorful staircase offering stunning views and a taste of Bahian culture.
PASTEL DA BINA/Tempero do Camaleon
1.8 km
Savor authentic Brazilian pastries at PASTEL DA BINA in Salvador's Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, offering delicious flavors and stunning bay views.
Forte de São Pedro
1.9 km
Explore Salvador's Forte de São Pedro: a historic fortress with stunning ocean views, offering a glimpse into Brazil's colonial past.
Monumento do Dois de Julho (Caboclo)
2.2 km
A majestic sculpture in Salvador's Campo Grande, celebrating Bahia's pivotal role in Brazil's independence and rich cultural heritage.
Square Two July
2.2 km
Discover Salvador's vibrant heart at Square Two July: history, culture, and natural beauty converge in this iconic urban oasis.
Pé do Caboclo
2.2 km
Discover Pé do Caboclo in Salvador: a landmark celebrating Bahia's independence and rich cultural heritage in a vibrant, historical setting.
Bahia Museum of Art
2.8 km
Discover 5,000+ works of art at Bahia's oldest museum, featuring Brazilian, Oriental, and European collections in a historic palace setting.
Carlos Costa Pinto Museum
2.9 km
Explore Brazilian decorative arts and immerse yourself in the opulent world of Bahia's colonial elite at this Salvador museum.
Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Vitória
3.1 km
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Casa de Oxumarê
3.3 km
Experience Afro-Brazilian spirituality at Casa de Oxumarê, a historic Candomblé temple in Salvador, Bahia. A vibrant center of culture and tradition.
Englishmen Cemetery (British Cemetery)
3.7 km
Explore the historical Englishmen Cemetery in Salvador, Bahia, a unique landmark reflecting British influence and heritage since the early 19th century.
Carybé Arts Space - São Diogo Fort
3.9 km
Explore the art of Carybé in a historic fort with stunning ocean views. A modern tribute to Bahian culture through technology.
Unmissable attractions to see
Porto de Salvador
0.4 km
Discover Porto de Salvador, a vibrant harbor that embodies the rich culture and culinary delights of Bahia, perfect for any traveler seeking adventure.
Mercado Modelo
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Salvador at Mercado Modelo, a vibrant marketplace filled with local crafts, delicious cuisine, and rich Bahian culture.
Galeria Mercado
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant cultural heritage of Bahia at Galeria Mercado, a must-visit museum in Salvador showcasing local art and history.
Casa das Histórias de Salvador
0.6 km
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bahia at Casa das Histórias de Salvador, a captivating museum showcasing the region's vibrant history and artistry.
Praça do Mercado
0.6 km
Explore the lively Praça do Mercado in Salvador, where vibrant stalls and rich Bahian culture come together for an unforgettable marketplace experience.
Monumento à Cidade de Salvador - BA
0.6 km
Experience the essence of Bahia at the Monument to the City of Salvador, a stunning tribute to the region's rich cultural heritage and history.
Cidade da Música da Bahia
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian music at Cidade da Música da Bahia, a cultural hub in Salvador celebrating the nation's melodic heritage.
Museum of Brazilian Music
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant rhythms and rich history of Brazil at the Museum of Brazilian Music, a cultural treasure in Salvador's Pelourinho district.
Museu do Mercado Modelo
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Salvador's culture at Museu do Mercado Modelo, where history, art, and local craftsmanship come together in one vibrant space.
Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia
0.7 km
Explore the breathtaking Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia in Salvador, a stunning Catholic church rich in history and vibrant culture.
Irmandade do Ss Sacramento e Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia
0.7 km
Discover the beauty and serenity of Irmandade do Ss Sacramento e Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia, a historical church in Salvador, Bahia, that captivates with its architecture and spirituality.
Elevador Lacerda
0.7 km
Experience breathtaking views and a journey through Salvador's vibrant history at the iconic Elevador Lacerda, a must-visit for all travelers.
Praça Thomé De Souza
0.7 km
Explore the historic Praça Thomé De Souza, a vibrant square in Salvador filled with culture, architecture, and delicious local cuisine.
Memorial das Baianas
0.7 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bahia at Memorial das Baianas, where history and culinary traditions come alive in Salvador's Pelourinho district.
Rio Branco Palace
0.8 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of Rio Branco Palace, a key cultural attraction in Salvador, Bahia, showcasing the region's vibrant heritage.
Essential places to dine
Caravelas Bar e Restaurante
0.8 km
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Restaurante Fasano Salvador
0.9 km
Experience culinary excellence at Restaurante Fasano Salvador - where authentic Italian flavors meet luxurious ambiance.
Amado
0.9 km
Experience culinary excellence at Amado in Salvador, where fresh seafood meets breathtaking views for an unforgettable dining adventure.
Mariposa
1.0 km
Discover authentic Bahian cuisine at Mariposa in Pelourinho – a culinary journey through Salvador's rich flavors.
Restaurante Pelô Bistrô
1.0 km
Experience authentic Bahian cuisine at Restaurante Pelô Bistrô in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district, where fresh seafood meets local tradition.
Odoyá
1.0 km
Experience the essence of Bahian cuisine at Odoyá, where fresh seafood meets vibrant culture in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district.
Boteco do Pelourinho
1.0 km
Discover vibrant flavors and traditional dishes at Boteco do Pelourinho in Salvador's historic heart.
O Coliseu
1.0 km
Experience authentic Brazilian cuisine at O Coliseu in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district - where every dish tells a story.
Cuco Bistrô
1.0 km
Experience Salvador's vibrant culinary scene at Cuco Bistrô with exquisite seafood dishes, refreshing cocktails, and captivating live music.
Bar and Restaurant Axego
1.0 km
Discover authentic Brazilian cuisine at Axego Bar and Restaurant in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district.
Soho
1.0 km
Discover Soho in Salvador: A premier destination for authentic Japanese cuisine and exquisite sushi creations.
Restaurante Uauá
1.1 km
Experience authentic Bahian cuisine at Restaurante Uauá in Salvador’s historic Pelourinho district—where flavor meets culture.
Sorriso da Dadá
1.1 km
Experience authentic Bahian seafood at Sorriso da Dadá in Pelourinho – where every dish tells a story.
Donna Pimenta
1.1 km
Experience authentic Bahian cuisine at Donna Pimenta in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district – where tradition meets flavor!
Restaurante Lafayette
1.1 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining in Salvador's Comercio district at Restaurante Lafayette - where fresh flavors meet Bahian hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shopping do Pelourinho
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant world of fabrics at Shopping do Pelourinho, where Salvador's rich culture comes alive through colorful textile creations.
Shopping do Pelô
0.9 km
Explore the vibrant world of Bahia's artistry at Shopping do Pelô, a gift shop filled with unique local crafts and unforgettable souvenirs.
Pierim Souvenirs - Pelourinho
1.0 km
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Sal da Terra - Pelourinho
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant fashion scene at Sal da Terra, a unique clothing store in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district, reflecting Bahia's rich culture.
Dendê
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Bahia at Dendê, your go-to souvenir store in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district.
Sol da Terra Artesanatos Artigos para Presente e Confe
1.0 km
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Salvador Bahia
1.0 km
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Viabrasilmodaearte
1.0 km
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Boutique A Mulherada
1.0 km
Explore your creativity at Boutique A Mulherada, a vibrant art supply store in the historic Pelourinho district of Salvador, Brazil.
Coração da Bahia
1.0 km
Discover vibrant beachwear at Coração da Bahia in the heart of Salvador’s historic Pelourinho district, where local culture meets coastal fashion.
Boutique Do Ilê Aiyê
1.1 km
Explore Afro-Brazilian fashion at Boutique Do Ilê Aiyê, a cultural gem in Salvador's Pelourinho district, offering unique clothing and accessories.
Maria Mata Mouro
1.1 km
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O Blokão
1.2 km
Explore your artistic side at O Blokão in Salvador, where creativity meets community and a treasure trove of art supplies awaits.
Super C
1.2 km
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Atrevida Lingerie e Moda Praia
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant beachwear and lingerie styles at Atrevida Lingerie e Moda Praia, a must-visit fashion destination in Salvador, Brazil.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hidden Salvador
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Salvador at Hidden Salvador, where local culture meets refreshing drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
Clube do Samba
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant essence of Salvador at Clube do Samba, where music, dance, and local flavors create an unforgettable experience.
Bar Preto Velho
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant culture of Salvador at Bar Preto Velho, a lively bar in the historic Pelourinho district, perfect for relaxing and enjoying local drinks.
Sala do reboco
1.0 km
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Bar Cravo & Canela
1.0 km
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Kibe & Cia
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Bahia at Kibe & Cia, a lively bar located in the heart of Salvador's Pelourinho district.
Conforto Bar e Restaurante
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Bahia at Conforto Bar e Restaurante in the heart of Pelourinho, Salvador.
Negro's Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively spirit of Salvador at Negro's Bar, where authentic cuisine and vibrant nightlife create unforgettable memories.
Bar do Carmo
1.1 km
Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Salvador at Bar do Carmo, where local culture and delicious drinks await in the heart of Pelourinho.
Owl's den - Toca da coruja bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Owl's Den - Toca da Coruja Bar in Pelourinho, where culture meets unforgettable cocktails.
Passarela Do Álcool
1.1 km
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Bar Zulu
1.1 km
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Ponto Vital Santo Amaro
1.2 km
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Café e Cana Botequim
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Café e Cana Botequim, a must-visit bar in Salvador for delicious drinks and local culture.
Di Janela - Gastronomia, Restô, Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Salvador at Di Janela, where culinary tradition meets a lively bar atmosphere.
