Mercado Modelo
The old customs house by the harbor in the Lower City, converted into a Bahian handicraft market selling wood carvings, musical instruments, lace and cachaça.
Mercado Modelo sits below the Lacerda Elevator, facing the Bay of All Saints. The building was originally a customs house built in 1861, and it has been used as a market since 1971, rebuilt after several fires. Its two floors hold about 260 stalls selling Bahian specialties: berimbau bows for capoeira, hand drums, carved figures of Candomblé deities, colorful Bonfim wish ribbons, traditional white Bahian lace dresses, gemstones, cashews and cachaça. Prices are negotiable. The basement is said to have once held enslaved people awaiting sale, and it is occasionally open to visitors. Capoeira performances often take place outside the market; photographers should expect to tip. On the second floor, two long-established restaurants have terraces, where you can eat moqueca, a seafood stew, with sea views. Behind the market is the ferry dock for Itaparica Island and Morro de São Paulo.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat approx. 09:00–18:00; Sun approx. 09:00–14:00 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Casa do Carnaval da Bahia
- Lacerda Elevator
- Rio Branco Palace
- Cathedral Basilica & Terreiro de Jesus
- Afro-Brazilian Museum
- Church and Convent of São Francisco
- Jorge Amado Foundation
- Balé Folclórico da Bahia