Considered one of Salvador’s historical landmarks, the Barra Lighthouse is located in the Santo Antônio Fort, at the Barra Beach, and is one of the main hallmarks of Bahia’s capital city. With a breathtaking view of Baía de Todos os Santos, the Lighthouse is a perfect spot to watch the sun set over the sea. A coffee shop is also available at the site.
After the sinking of Portuguese galleon Sacramento in a sand bank opposite the mouth of Rio Vermelho, in 1668, authorities decided to build a lighthouse in that area. The lighthouse’s inauguration date (1698) makes it the oldest lighthouse in the Americas.
The 22 m-high tower with a bronze lantern attracts many visitors, who climb up their spiral staircase to see the French mechanism, which is switched on at night and off again in the morning by a lighthouse keeper.
Sharing the Fort building with the Lighthouse, the Bahia Nautical Museum is also well worth a visit. The Museum features crockery, cutlery and personal belongings of over 400 castaways from the Sacramento galleon.
Bahia Tourist Hotline: +55 (71) 3103-3103
R$15,00.
Address
Largo do Farol da Barra, s/n – Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra – Barra – Salvador – Bahia
The easiest way to get to the Barra Lighthouse is by taxi. Check out taxi rates and companies available in the city. Transit apps are available in this city.
The Salvador Bus double-decker tour bus is a great alternative to reach the Santo Antônio Fort, where the Barra Lighthouse is located. The bus passes through several different hotels and stops at the Barra Lighthouse.