Vila Velha Attractions
Vila Velha
The town of Vila Velha (pop. 280,000), the original seat of government of Espírito Santo state, founded in 1535, lies 13km/8mi south of Vitória across Vitória Bay. A number of handsome colonial buildings in the upper town have survived the ravages of time. The lower town is notable principally for its beautiful beaches.
The town of Vila Velha (pop. 280,000), the original seat of government of Espírito Santo state, founded in 1535, lies 13km/8mi south of Vitória across Vitória Bay. A number of handsome colonial buildings in the upper town have survived the ravages of time. The lower town is notable principally for its beautiful beaches.
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Nossa Senhora da Penha
Established in 1955, the monastery of Nossa Senhora da Penha contains several paintings by the famous Brazilian artist Benedito Calixto.
Praia da Costa
Praia da Costa
The Praia da Costa, one of the most beautiful beaches in Espírito Santo, lies 3km/2mi from Vila Velha on the coast to the east. At the end of the beach is the Santa Luzia lighthouse (1871). Nearby is the Morro do Moreno (167m/548ft), a favorite launching-pad for hang-gliders.
The Praia da Costa, one of the most beautiful beaches in Espírito Santo, lies 3km/2mi from Vila Velha on the coast to the east. At the end of the beach is the Santa Luzia lighthouse (1871). Nearby is the Morro do Moreno (167m/548ft), a favorite launching-pad for hang-gliders.
Barra do Jucu
The beach of Barra do Jucu, 12km/7.5mi from Vila Velha, is the venue of the Brazilian surfing championship. Here there are the ruins of a Jesuit settlement. A short distance away on the Rodovia do Sol is the Lago Jabaeté, a lake well stocked with fish.
Conceicao da Barra, Brazil
(Near Vila Velha)
Conceição da Barra
The fishing village of Conceição da Barra, where the congo is still danced in African fashion, was founded by freed slaves. The Congo band of Barra do Jucu, formed by local fishermen, is one of the oldest and best known ensembles in Espírito Santo. Beyond the estuary of the Rio Jucu is the Praia da Lage, with a great platform of rock which emerges from the sea at low tide.
The fishing village of Conceição da Barra, where the congo is still danced in African fashion, was founded by freed slaves. The Congo band of Barra do Jucu, formed by local fishermen, is one of the oldest and best known ensembles in Espírito Santo. Beyond the estuary of the Rio Jucu is the Praia da Lage, with a great platform of rock which emerges from the sea at low tide.
Itapoã
The beaches to the south of Vila Velha are reached on the Rodovia do Sol (ES 060), which runs from Vila Velha to Marataizes. Nearest to the town is the beach of Itapoã (3km/2mi), where there is a small fishing village.
Jacaranema Forest Reserve
Jacaranema Forest Reserve
The Jacaranema Forest Reserve, through which the Rio Jucu flows, offers a representative cross-section of the flora and fauna of the region.
The Jacaranema Forest Reserve, through which the Rio Jucu flows, offers a representative cross-section of the flora and fauna of the region.
Museu Homero Massena
Museu Homero Massena
On the Prainha (a section of Avenida Beira-Mar) is the Homero Massena Museum, in the former home of Homero Massena, the most celebrated painter of Espírito Santo. It displays many of his pictures as well as personal mementoes of the artist. In the Prainha Park near the museum a craft fair, at which regional dishes can also be sampled, is held on Fridays and Saturdays.
On the Prainha (a section of Avenida Beira-Mar) is the Homero Massena Museum, in the former home of Homero Massena, the most celebrated painter of Espírito Santo. It displays many of his pictures as well as personal mementoes of the artist. In the Prainha Park near the museum a craft fair, at which regional dishes can also be sampled, is held on Fridays and Saturdays.
Nossa Senhora do Rosário
N.S. do Rosário
On Praça da Bandeira is the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (1551).
On Praça da Bandeira is the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (1551).
Ponta de Fruta, Brazil
(Near Vila Velha)
Ponta de Fruta Lagoa Vermelha
The beach of Ponta de Fruta, on which there is a fishing village, is reached on the Rodovia do Sol (18km/11mi). Between Ponta de Fruta and Barra do Jucu is the Lagoa Vermelha ("Red Lagoon"), also called the Lagoa do Milho.
The beach of Ponta de Fruta, on which there is a fishing village, is reached on the Rodovia do Sol (18km/11mi). Between Ponta de Fruta and Barra do Jucu is the Lagoa Vermelha ("Red Lagoon"), also called the Lagoa do Milho.
Praia da Baleia
Praia da Baleia
The Praia da Baleia ("Whale Beach"), 24km/15mi from Vila Velha, lies close to the beaches north of the bathing resort of Guarapari, which is also on the Rodovia do Sol.
The Praia da Baleia ("Whale Beach"), 24km/15mi from Vila Velha, lies close to the beaches north of the bathing resort of Guarapari, which is also on the Rodovia do Sol.
