Visit the Porto Seguro Museum for Bahia history
The Porto Seguro Museum holds a special place in Porto Seguro culture. It has several names that you might hear it called by. Probably the most common name is “Museu Historico da Cidade”, Historical Museum of the City. The Porto Seguro museum is also commonly known as “Museu do Descobrimento”, or Museum of the Discovery, because it was at Porto Seguro that Bahia history tells us that Brazil was first “discovered” by Portuguese sailors way back in 1500.
The Porto Seguro Museum is housed in an old building that was originally the Porto Seguro House of Representatives and the jail. This building is an excellent and well-preserved example of the Porto Seguro culture and architecture of the 18th century in Bahia history.
Widely heralded as one of the most attractive colonial Brazilian buildings in Bahia history, the Porto Seguro Museum is a striking white construction that was built by the Jesuits in 1772. Back then it was called “Casa da Camara e Cadeia”, or “the Town Hall and Jail”.
The construction of the building of “Casa da Camara e Cadeia” followed the traditional pattern of the Reconcavo Baiano region. The building is in the form of a two floor rectangle with no internal courtyard.
In the original building which now houses the Porto Seguro Museum, the downstairs floor housed the main jail for Porto Seguro, while upstairs Bahia history tells us was based the headquarters of the political administration of the region, where all the meetings were held to make important local decisions.
Stories of Bahia history tell that the inhabitants of the jail were segregated with women at the back of the jail, from where they could see the nearby church, as this was supposed to encourage them to pray for their sins. Men were held in cells at the front of the jail, so that they could look out over the sea, as this was meant to make them feel homesick while they eked out their lonely sentences.
The Porto Seguro Museum is situated in the north part of the city, which is the old city center and the home of Porto Seguro culture, at Pero do Campos Tourinho Square. This fascinating piece of Bahia history and Porto Seguro culture is an unmissable place to visit during your stay in the Bahia. Children will love to learn about the story of how the Portuguese discovered Brazil, and there are always interesting and educational exhibitions at the Porto Seguro Museum.
From The Porto Seguro Museum back to Porto Seguro Brazil Guide
Porto Seguro culture attractions
Porto Seguro culture attractions are many and varied. Porto Seguro culture attractions include Porto Seguro churches, museums, Porto Seguro art and architecture
Porto Seguro Old City Centre
The Porto Seguro Old City Center is full of cultural and historical monuments. Visit the Porto Seguro Old City Center and learn about Bahia history.
Porto Seguro History
Porto Seguro History starts in 1500 when Brazil was “discovered” by the Portuguese. Be sure to learn the exciting story of Porto Seguro History on your holiday.