Espírito Santo, Brazil · South America
Vila Velha sits on the route: 10 minutes from Vitória.
Vila Velha is a city located in Espírito Santo, Brazil. With a population of 394,930, it is an important destination in South America.
On a road trip, Vila Velha sits in Brazil, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Sao Paulo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Vila Velha to your route.
Vila Velha (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈvilɐ ˈvɛʎɐ]; lit. 'Old Village') is a Brazilian municipality situated on the coast of the state of Espírito Santo, in the Southeast Region of Brazil. It is part of the Greater Vitória Metropolitan Area and covers an area of 209.965 km2 (81.068 sq mi), of which 54.57 km2 (21.07Read more
sq mi) is within the urban area. According to estimates by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in 2024, its population was 502,899 inhabitants, making it the second most populous municipality in Espírito Santo, surpassed only by Serra.
Founded on 23 May 1535 by the Portuguese Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, the grantee of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo, Vila Velha served as the captaincy’s capital until 1549, when the seat was transferred to Vitória. As the oldest city in the state, it is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Fort of São Francisco Xavier de Piratininga, the Santa Luzia Lighthouse, and the Penha Convent. The latter, constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries, is one of Espírito Santo’s primary tourist attractions and was designated a national cultural heritage site by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage in 1943.
Today, Vila Velha is a significant industrial hub and the state’s second-largest commercial center, following the capital, Vitória. Its 32 km (20 mi) coastline is almost entirely lined with beaches, which are key tourist and scenic attractions, including Praia da Costa, Itapoã, and Itaparica. The city hosts several annual events that further boost tourism, such as the Festa da Penha, a tribute to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, considered Brazil’s third-largest religious event; the Chocolate Festival, showcasing the work of Chocolates Garoto, one of Vila Velha’s largest and oldest industries; and Jesus Vida Verão.
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Vila Velha is located in Espírito Santo, Brazil, South America. The coordinates are -20.3297 latitude, -40.2925 longitude.
Vila Velha has a population of approximately 394,930 people, making it a city in Brazil.
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