Terreiro de Jesus Square, Salvador

Terreiro de Jesus is a square in the central part of Salvador de Bahia. Also known as 15th of November Square, it dates back to the 1500s. At that time, the Jesuit order received a land grant in the northern section of the new city from the Governor and founder of Salvador, Tome de Sousa, and built a church and a Jesuit school. The land was named "Terreiro de Jesus."

Terreiro de Jesus Square is located in the city's oldest area, providing easy access to the most important historical places in Salvador de Bahia. The most notable building on the Terreiro de Jesus is the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador. The square was part of the church grounds when it was first constructed in 1590.

Though the church was rebuilt and redesigned several times, the Terreiro de Jesus Square was not updated until 1948. Landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx replaced the Square's flooring with Portuguese tiling in black and white, shells, and beach pebbles. The only portions that remained unchanged were the fountain and some scant vegetation.

Today, visitors will find a cobbled drive around the square. Sidewalks host street vendors who sell their wares to tourists. There are also numerous dining establishments around. The Terreiro de Jesus Square also houses the Church of Saint Peter of the Clergymen, which dates to 1709.