Domingos Martins Tourist Attractions

46km/29mi from Vitória on BR 262 is the town of Domingos Martins (pop. 35,000). It lies on the banks of the Rio Jucu, a river with numerous waterfalls on which there are canoe races. Here in 1847 was founded the Colìnia Santa Isabel, the first German settlement in Espírito Santo. In the Paraju, Biriricas, São Miguel, Melgaço, Marechal Floriano and Santa Maria districts there are still a few half-timbered houses dating from the period of German settlement, and some local events such as the Festa do Imigrante Alemão (Festival of the German Immigrant) in January and the Festa do Chucrute (Sauerkraut Festival) in February recall the origins of the early settlers. The Italian immigrants who came later settled mainly in the Aracà and Araguaia districts.

Pedra Azul

The Pedra Azul ("Blue Rock"; 1822m/5978ft), a mighty "Sugar Loaf" in the commune of Aracà, is a prominent landmark in the mountains of Espírito Santo. It rears up in a forest reserve run by the Instituto de Terras, Cartografias e Florestas, which organises climbing trips with experienced guides. One of the high points of the trip is a huge cave, the Gruta da Pedra Azul.

Lutheran Church

The Lutheran Church (Igreja Luterana; national monument) on Praça Dr Arthur Gerhardt was built in 1866, the first non-Catholic church in Brazil. In June a harvest thanksgiving festival, still known by its German name of Erntedankfest, is held in the square in front of the church.

Historical Museum

The Historical Museum in the Casa de Cultura on Avenida Presidente Vargas displays documents illustrating the history of settlement in the region, and also provides information about tourist attractions.

Musical Clock

Musical clock

In the outlying district of Santa Isabel, 7km/4.3mi from Domingos Martins, is a hand-made water-powered musical clock relógio musical.