Best of Vitoria

Ilha de Vitória's Absolute Essentials

Ilha de Vitória showcases the historical and cultural evolution of Espírito Santo's capital. The city's core features colonial landmarks like the 16th-century Palácio Anchieta and the neo-Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral. Engineering highlights include the Darcy Castello de Mendonça Bridge, one of Brazil’s tallest, while the Goiabeiras district preserves the centuries-old tradition of crafting clay pots used for local Moqueca Capixaba. Modern leisure areas like Praça do Papa and the beaches of Praia do Canto offer views of the Suá Bay and the Atlantic coastline.

Ilha de Vitória's Absolute Essentials — Map

Fernanda Ribeiro / CC-BY-SA

A

Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, Vitória

The Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, also Vitória Cathedral, is a Catholic church in Dom Luiz Scortegagna Square, in the City of Vitória,…

Fernando Curcio / CC-BY-SA

B

Palácio Anchieta

One of the oldest government seats in Brazil, this 16th-century complex originated as a Jesuit college. It houses the symbolic tomb of Saint José de Anchieta and features a museum with period furniture and sacred art.

C

Forte de São Francisco Xavier de Piratininga

A 16th-century fortification located at the base of Morro da Penha. Built to defend the entrance of the bay, it remains one of the oldest military structures in the state.

Martins, Tito / CC BY 3.0

D

Third Bridge

The Deputy Darcy Castelo de Mendonça Bridge, colloquially known as the Third Bridge, is the second tallest bridge in Brazil, connecting the…

Fernando Curcio / CC-BY-SA

E

Praia do Canto

An upscale neighborhood beach known for its proximity to the 'Triângulo das Bermudas' entertainment district, featuring several docks and views of the Third Bridge.

F

Praça do Papa

A public square in the Enseada do Suá district named in honor of Pope John Paul II's 1991 visit. It offers panoramic views of the bay and the Convento da Penha.

Fernanda Ribeiro / CC-BY-SA

G

Paneleiras de Goiabeiras

A traditional workshop where artisans produce handmade clay pots using indigenous techniques. This craft is recognized as the first Brazilian Intangible Cultural Heritage by IPHAN.

H

Mercado de Artesanato de Vitória

A central market dedicated to regional handicrafts, including ceramics, wood carvings, and local embroidery.

I

Mercado da Vila Rubim

A historic commercial hub specializing in herbs, spices, religious items, and the traditional clay pots required for authentic Capixaba cuisine.

J

Cúria Metropolitana

The administrative headquarters of the Catholic Archdiocese of Vitória, situated within the city's historic center.

K

Igreja do Carmo

Founded as a Carmelite convent in 1682, this church retains its colonial foundations with 19th-century neo-Gothic architectural updates.

L

Projeto Tamar

A marine conservation center dedicated to sea turtles, featuring observation tanks, interactive exhibits, and information on local nesting sites.

M

Estátua de Iemanjá

A monument dedicated to the deity of the sea in Afro-Brazilian religions, positioned at the pier of Camburi Beach.