In that same year, Salvador became the first capital of Brazil, until 1763 when the colonial administration was moved to Rio de Janeiro. During that era (1550-1763) the city played an important strategic role in the defence and colonization of the territory. The fortified city on the city's major hill dates from this time.

The construction of the new metropolis followed well-defined plans, traces of which can be seen in the Historical Centre. The main public and religious buildings were preserved in the higher part of the city. Salvador was occupied briefly by the Dutch in1624, and another unsuccessful attempt was made to take the city in 1638.

The Salvadorian population (in Portuguese, Soteropolitena, adapted from the Greek soteropolis, "city of salvation", according to Aurélio dictionary) is made up of the same mixture of ethnic groups that form the basis of the Brazilian people: Blacks, Indians and Europeans. In Salvador, which was the country's major port for bringing in slaves from Africa, the African cultural influence has always been strong. It is noticeable in religion, arts, food, and in many other aspects of the life of Salvadorian people.

The religion of candomblé shows this mix of origins too, combining rites brought from Africa with Catholicism. Churches in Salvador receive followers of candomblé: at Nossa Senhora do Bonfim, an annual festival is held where Bahaian women dressed in typical costumes clean the steps of the church. Another sign of African culture in Salvador is capoeira. Original from Angola, it was used by slaves as a form of defence and attack. Nowadays is a very popular combination of fight and dance. Capoeira performers swing from side to side and throw acrobatic blows, mainly with legs. Other members surround them in a circle and sing, accompanied by percussion instruments like berimbau, agogôs and atabaques.

Walking around the Historical Centre, especially through the old alleys and squares of the Pelourinho neighborhood, there is much 18th and 19th-century architecture; the large houses of the sugar barons, beautiful baroque churches and majestic public buildings.

And it is also on the streets that Salvadorians hold their parties. Salvador has a full calendar of popular events. Particularly between New Year's Eve and Carnival, the city hosts many celebrations which reveal the deep religious feeling and happiness of its inhabitants.