Vila Velha
Vila Velha · Brazil
Founded in 1535 by the Portuguese colonist Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, Vila Velha is the oldest city in Espírito Santo state and served as the captaincy's capital until 1549. Its coastline stretches for roughly 32 kilometres of beaches, including Praia da Costa, Itapoã, and Itaparica, while the Penha Convent — built between the 16th and 17th centuries and designated a national heritage site in 1943 — draws pilgrims to what is considered Brazil's third-largest religious event, the Festa da Penha. The city also hosts an annual Chocolate Festival tied to the long-established Chocolates Garoto factory.
- Population472,762
- Nearest water0.7 km
- Nearest mountain1.1 km