Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia (Basilica of the Immaculate Conception), Salvador

At the foot of the mountain connecting the Upper and Lower Cities, you'll find the Basilica of Our Lady of the Conception of the Beach—yes, the third one built on this spot. Its name comes from the locals, who figured it was pretty close to the beach. Built in 1623, it’s one of the oldest parishes in the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia.

A little history lesson: In 1549, Portuguese ships arrived in Salvador, and guess who they brought? An image of the Patroness of Lisbon, which went on a world tour with the troops. This unique image was placed in the first church, whose ruins are still standing today. It reigned supreme until 1946, when Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was crowned the Patroness of Bahia. The church itself, built in the Baroque style, was crafted entirely from lioz stone brought from Portugal. It took 300 years to complete—three generations of artisans, whale oil, and a whole lot of stonework. Fun fact: it's the only modular church in Salvador.

Inside, the floor is a jaw-dropper—crafted from lioz stone and Carrara marble, it’s one of the site's main attractions. Step into the “primitive church,“ where it all started, left in ruins with candles flickering all around. Oh, and there’s a window that lets you peek at the historic staircase that once connected the Lower City to the Upper City.

Next door, the brand-new Conception of the Beach (“Conceição da Praia“) Ceremonial has a modern twist, blending sleek design with the church's original stone walls. It can hold 1,000 guests—perfect for a big wedding, or you know, a major celebration.