Tomb of Mem de Sá in Salvador, Brazil

Most Popular PlacesRandom PlaceListsItinerariesAdd a PlaceDownload the App Tomb of Mem de Sá Round Barn Capital of the World Susannah Place ‘Bear With Me’ The Best Haunted Hotels to Book for a Spooky Getaway 6 days ago Is Alton, Illinois America’s Most Haunted Small Town? 10 days ago 14 Real Places That Haunt the Pages of Literature 12 days ago The Catedral Basílica de Salvador is special for its stunning Baroque interior and the historic sepulchre of Mem de Sá, connecting the church to Salvador’s colonial past. Located in the heart of Salvador’s historic center, the Catedral Basílica de Salvador stands in the famous Terreiro de Jesus, surrounded by some of the city’s oldest streets and churches. Its richly decorated Baroque interior, covered in intricate carvings, gold details, paintings, and religious artwork, makes it one of the most impressive historic churches in Bahia.

What makes the cathedral particularly fascinating is the connection between its beauty and Salvador’s darker colonial history. Inside the church is the sepulchre of Mem de Sá, the third Governor-General of Brazil, who was buried there in the 16th century. His tomb adds an eerie sense of history to the otherwise magnificent interior, reminding visitors that this building has witnessed centuries of political power, religious influence, and colonial life.

A visit to the cathedral is therefore more than an architectural experience; it is a glimpse into the people and events that shaped Salvador and Brazil. Get more unusual and extraordinary places each week with the Atlas Obscura Places newsletter. Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The cathedral is located in Terreiro de Jesus, in the heart of Pelourinho, making it easy to combine with a walk through Salvador’s historic center. Visitors should take time to look for the **sepulchre of Mem de Sá near the main altar**, as it can be easy to overlook. Current visitor hours are generally Monday to Saturday, with different hours on Sundays, so checking before visiting is recommended.

Amidst political unrest, this Roman Catholic Cathedral has helped organize peace talks. The floor of this spectacular Baroque sanctuary is covered in memento mori. The oldest Anglican church in Central America hosted the coronations of four indigenous kings.

Built in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, this cathedral is one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. It stands out for its elegant white neoclassical design and twin bell towers that define Maputo’s skyline and make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The man who surrendered his army to George Washington is buried halfway across the world.