Vitória
Island Capital Of EspíRito Santo, Founded 1551, With The Sixteenth Century Convento Da Penha Across The Bay In Vila Velha · Vitória, Espírito Santo
Vitória is the capital of Espírito Santo, built mostly on an island in a bay and joined to the mainland by bridges, including the high Terceira Ponte to Vila Velha. Founded in 1551, it is one of the older cities in Brazil, but it is a working port and business city more than a tourist destination, and few people cross the country for it. What makes a day or two worthwhile is a short list. Across the bay in Vila Velha, the Convento da Penha sits on a rock hill above the city, a sixteenth-century hilltop convent and pilgrimage site with one of the best views on this coast. Back in Vitória, the old centre around the Palácio Anchieta and the cathedral is small and easily walked. The city is also the home of moqueca capixaba, a fish stew cooked and served in black clay pots made by hand by the paneleiras of Goiabeiras, whose craft is recognised as intangible heritage. Beaches such as Camburi and Curva da Jurema are city beaches, pleasant rather than special. Many visitors use Vitória as a base for Guarapari's beaches or the cool mountains around Pedra Azul.
Centro and the bay, Vitória, ES, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
A city, so streets and beaches never close, but the sights keep their own patterns. The Convento da Penha is usually open daily from morning to late afternoon, with access up the hill by a steep road or path, and vehicles may be restricted at busy times; it is extremely crowded during the Festa da Penha in the week after Easter, when pilgrims climb in huge numbers - confirm the dates and any closures to cars. The Palácio Anchieta, the state government seat, has offered guided visits on some days, and access can change with official events. Churches in the centre open for services and short visiting windows. The Goiabeiras potters work at their shed during the day on weekdays and some Saturdays, rarely on Sundays. Beach kiosks run through the day and into the evening at weekends. Factory visits in Vila Velha, such as the chocolate factory, need advance booking and may be suspended - confirm. Rush hour on the bridges is heavy, so time crossings to Vila Velha outside commuter peaks.