Pedra do Sal: Birthplace of Rio’s Samba
In Saúde, Pedra do Sal is a quilombo landmark and a living stage for samba and choro in Little Africa.
Pedra do Sal sits in the Saúde district, the stone that named a port-side salt trade and later a community of African descent.
The site was recognized in 1984 by the Institute for State Cultural Heritage. An association of quilombo descendants still lives with that memory.
From the collective houses of escaped and freed people grew the area known as Little Africa, with the stone as a natural stage for early samba and choro.
Donga, João da Baiana, Pixinguinha and Heitor dos Prazeres played on those steps.
The walk from Lapa is about 20 minutes on foot through Saúde. Go with respect, and plan the way back.
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Stay nearby
Stay at Mural da Lapa; Pedra do Sal is about 20 minutes on foot.