Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Church of Our Lord of Bonfim), Salvador

This is a must-see spot in the city, held in high regard by locals. It’s among the city’s most historic Catholic churches, dedicated to Senhor do Bonfim, the patron saint of Bahia and a key emblem of the region’s religious syncretism.

On the church’s second floor, you’ll find a charming museum displaying an impressive collection of artifacts—paintings, priests’ vestments, furniture, and a wide variety of Ex-Votos. These votive offerings, presented by devotees in gratitude or fulfillment of a promise, range from finely carved wooden figures to gold and silver representations of healed body parts. Among these artifacts are intriguing items linked to miraculous events, such as a coin dented by a stray bullet that saved someone’s life when it deflected off the metal in their pocket during an attack.

The museum’s collection isn’t the only highlight. From the internal balconies, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the church interior, spanning from the entrance to the altar. This vantage point also offers a close look at the original French organ donated in 1854, now beautifully restored. With its 290 pipes, it stands 4.3 meters tall and 2.24 meters wide, and is one of Bahia’s rare remaining examples of this type of instrument.

To cap off your visit, consider ascending the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view. Recently made accessible to visitors, the tower provides stunning vistas of Ribeira’s shoreline on one side and the neighborhoods of the Lower City stretching toward Contorno Avenue and the buildings along Vitória Corridor on the other. Through its large windows, you can also take in a newly revitalized Bonfim Square, looking more beautiful than ever.