{{other uses}} {{AI-generated|certain=y|date=May 2026|reason=[[Special:Diff/1288306561|This rewrite]] is a translation by an organization that solicits paid Grok translating}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Vila Velha | settlement_type = [[List of municipalities in Espírito Santo|Municipality]] | official_name = Municipality of Vila Velha | nickname = ''The Land of the Green Shins'' (Portuguese: ''Terra dos Canelas-Verdes'') | image_skyline = {{multiple image|total_width=300px|perrow=1/2/2/1|border=infobox | image1 = Vila Velha ES a partir do Convento da Penha.JPG | image2 = Convento da penha ao pé do convento.jpg | image3 = Farol Santa Luzia, localizado no município de Vila Velha (ES) (52749701974).jpg | image4 = Convento da Penha - Vila Velha - ES - panoramio (27).jpg | image5 = Igreja do Rosário em Vila Velha em nov. 2007.jpg | image6 = Convento da Penha - Vila Velha - ES - panoramio (52).jpg }} | image_caption = | image_shield = Coat of Arms Vila Velha.svg | image_flag = Bandeira de Vila Velha (Espírito Santo).svg | image_map = EspiritoSanto Municip VilaVelha.svg | image_map1 = | map_caption = Location in Espírito Santo | subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] | subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of Brazil|Region]] | subdivision_type2 = [[States of Brazil|State]] | subdivision_type3 = Districts | subdivision_name3 = Argolas, Ibes, Jucu, São Torquato and Vila Velha (seat)<ref name="IBGE_Distritos">{{cite web|access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-date=2018-11-05 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181105205032/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/territorio%23/N10/IN%20N6%203205200 |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=9 September 2013 |title=Vila Velha - Unidades territoriais do nível Distrito |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/territorio#/N10/IN%20N6%203205200 |url-status=live}}<!-- auto-translated from Portuguese by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> | subdivision_name = {{flag|Brazil}} | subdivision_name1 = [[Southeast Region, Brazil|Southeast]] | subdivision_name2 = {{flag|Espírito Santo}} | established_title = Founded | established_date = 23 May 1535 | leader_title = [[Mayor]] | leader_name = Arnaldinho Borgo (2025-2028) | leader_party = [[Podemos (Brazil)|Podemos]] | leader_title1 = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager --> | area_footnotes = <ref name="IBGE_VilaVelha"/> | area_total_km2 = 210 | population_as_of = 2022 | population_footnotes = <ref name="IBGE">[https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/es/vila-velha/panorama IBGE 2022] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20210318223312/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/es/vila-velha/panorama |date=2021-03-18 }}</ref> | population_total = 467,722 | population_density_km2 = auto | population_est = 502,899 | pop_est_as_of = 2024 | population_metro = | timezone = [[UTC|UTC−3]] | utc_offset = -3 | timezone_DST = | utc_offset_DST = | area_code = +55 27 | postal_code_type = Postal Code | postal_code = 29100-000 | coordinates = {{Coord|20|20|11|S|40|17|37|W|region:BR|display=inline,title}} | blank_name = '''[[Human Development Index|HDI]]''' (2010) | blank_info = 0.800 – <span style="color:#090">very high</span><ref name="PNUD_IDH_2010">{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.pnud.org.br/arquivos/ranking-idhm-2010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708233352/http://www.pnud.org.br/arquivos/ranking-idhm-2010.pdf |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP) }}</ref> | website = {{URL|vilavelha.es.gov.br}} | footnotes = | population_demonym = Vila-velhense<ref name="IBGE_VilaVelha">{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/es/vila-velha/panorama |title=Vila Velha |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210318223312/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/es/vila-velha/panorama |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |accessdate=November 5, 2018}}</ref> | anthem = [https://pt.wikisource.org/wiki/Hino_do_munic%C3%ADpio_de_Vila_Velha Anthem of the municipality of Vila Velha] | area_urban_km2 = 54.57 | area_urban_footnotes = <ref name="Embrapa_ES">{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2013 |archive-date=2013-01-23 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dt0rAN9A?url=http://www.urbanizacao.cnpm.embrapa.br/conteudo/uf/es.html |author=Embrapa Monitoramento por Satélite |title=Espírito Santo |url=http://www.urbanizacao.cnpm.embrapa.br/conteudo/uf/es.html |url-status=live}}<!-- auto-translated from Portuguese by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> }}
'''Vila Velha''' ({{IPA|pt|ˈvilɐ ˈvɛʎɐ}}; {{Literal translation|Old Village}}) is a [[Municipalities of Brazil|Brazilian municipality]] situated on the coast of the [[States of Brazil|state]] of [[Espírito Santo]], in the [[Southeast Region, Brazil|Southeast Region]] of [[Brazil]]. It is part of the [[Greater Vitória|Greater Vitória Metropolitan Area]] and covers an area of {{convert|209.965|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|54.57|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} is within the [[urban area]]. According to estimates by the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE) in 2024, its population was {{formatnum:502899}} inhabitants, making it the second most populous municipality in Espírito Santo, surpassed only by [[Serra, Espírito Santo|Serra]].
Founded on 23 May 1535 by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo|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, Espírito Santo|Vitória]]. As the oldest city in the state, it is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the [[Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Vila Velha)|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 {{convert|32|km|mi|abbr=on}} 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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== History == {{See also|History of Espírito Santo|Captaincy of Espírito Santo}} [[File:Frei Pedro Palácios.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Bust of Friar Pedro Palácios, founder of the [[Penha Convent]]]] In the 16th century, when Portuguese colonizers first arrived in the region now known as Vila Velha, the area was contested by three distinct [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|indigenous]] groups: the [[Goitacá]] (from the south), the [[Aimoré]] (from the interior), and the [[Tupiniquim]] (from the north). The Portuguese grantee of the [[Captaincy of Espírito Santo]], [[Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo|Vasco Fernandes Coutinho]], landed at the present-day Prainha (then called Piratininga by the indigenous people) aboard the [[caravel]] ''Glória'' with 60 men on 23 May 1535. He founded the "Vila do Espírito Santo" (now Vila Velha), named so because it was the Sunday of [[Pentecost]].<ref name="Governo_Colonização">{{cite web |url=http://www.es.gov.br/EspiritoSanto/paginas/colonizacao.aspx |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DsGdFkDc?url=http://www.es.gov.br/EspiritoSanto/paginas/colonizacao.aspx |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Colonization |author=Luciano Ventorim |publisher=Government of Espírito Santo |access-date=22 January 2013}}</ref> The settlement became the captaincy’s capital.<ref>BUENO, E. ''Capitães do Brasil: a saga dos primeiros colonizadores''. Rio de Janeiro. Objetiva. 1999. p. 120.</ref> [[File:Escultura Caravela, Instituto Histórico e Geográfico de Vila Velha (0140 2).png|left|thumb|255x255px|Wooden model of the Caravel ''Glória'', displayed at the Memory House Museum]] Due to frequent attacks by [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|indigenous groups]], [[France|French]], and [[Netherlands|Dutch]] forces, the Portuguese relocated the captaincy’s capital in 1551 to the present-day city of [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]], on [[Vitória (island)|Santo Antônio Island]] in Vitória Bay.<ref name="Governo_Colonização"/> In 1558, Friar Pedro Palácios, a native of [[Medina de Rioseco]], [[Spain]], arrived at Prainha. Years later, he was tasked with building a hermitage atop the Penha hill. Palácios commissioned an image of Our Lady from [[Lisbon]], which gave rise to the devotion to [[Our Lady of Peñafrancia]]. The modest hermitage gradually evolved into the [[Penha Convent]], now the most significant religious monument in Espírito Santo’s architecture.<ref name="Vila_História">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/historico.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DsGbLoZQ?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/historico.htm |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Vila Velha - Historical Overview |author=Maria Clara Medeiros Santos Neves and Luiz Guilherme Santos Neves |publisher=Vila Capixaba |access-date=22 January 2013}}</ref>
Little is known about Vila Velha’s history from the 16th to the 19th centuries.<ref name="Vila_História"/><ref name="Prefeitura_História">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/turismo/historia/comecou-por-vila-velha/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DsGgbo3L?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/turismo/historia/comecou-por-vila-velha/ |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Espírito Santo Began in Vila Velha |author=Municipality |access-date=22 January 2013}}</ref> During this period, notable events include the completion of the Penha Convent and Dutch attacks on sugar plantations in the 17th century.<ref name="Vila_História"/> The city saw minimal development, with a provincial government report recording {{formatnum:2120}} inhabitants in 1827.<ref name="Prefeitura_História"/> Access to the capital, Vitória, which, unlike Vila Velha, was steadily growing,<ref name="Governo_Colonização"/> was challenging.<ref name="Prefeitura_História"/>
At that time, the economy relied on agriculture,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/artigos/Artigo%20Vila%20Velha%2016.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DsGiiqxE?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/artigos/Artigo%20Vila%20Velha%2016.htm |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Vila Velha |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=22 January 2013}}</ref> sustained by [[Slavery in Brazil|slave labor]] of indigenous and [[Black people|Black]] individuals. In the area now known as the Aribiri neighborhood, a ''[[quilombo]]'' of escaped slaves existed, which, in the early 20th century, gave rise to a settlement and later the neighborhood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clerioborges.com.br/vilavelha.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6E3ZLRWg1?url=http://www.clerioborges.com.br/vilavelha.html |archive-date=2013-01-30 |title=Aribiri - Vila Velha - Espírito Santo |author=Clério José Borges |date=2010 |access-date=30 January 2013}}</ref> [[File:Vila Velha (ES).tif|thumb|left|Vila Velha in 1964. [[Brazilian National Archives|National Archives]].]] [[File:Bonde 42.jpg|left|thumb|293x293px|Tram 42, once used for public transport in the city, is now exhibited at the [[Memory House Museum]] in Vila Velha - 2025]] In 1890, the municipality was formally established under the Espírito Santo Constitution, changing its name from "Vila do Espírito Santo" to "Vila Velha." In the following decade, a city plan was drafted, followed by street expansions and other infrastructure projects, which began attracting commercial investors. However, significant economic growth occurred only after the construction of the Florentino Ávidos Bridge in the late 1920s, connecting Vila Velha to Vitória.<ref name="Prefeitura_História"/> The opening of the [[Chocolates Garoto]] factory during this period also spurred development, drawing more residents and boosting commerce. The city’s tram, introduced in 1912, was gradually replaced by vehicles starting in the 1950s.<ref name="Prefeitura_História"/> On 21 April 1931, Vila Velha was annexed to Vitória but was reestablished in 1938. It was annexed again in 1943 and reestablished four years later, officially recognized by State Law No. 479 on 31 January 1959.<ref name="Vila_História"/>
By 1950, the population had grown to approximately 24,000 inhabitants,<ref name="Prefeitura_História"/> but until the 1960s, Vila Velha remained closely tied to Vitória.<ref name="Vila_História"/> Many residents of Vila Velha or its districts worked or studied in Vitória.<ref name="Vila_História"/> The establishment of schools, commercial enterprises, and economic strengthening reversed this dependency. Investments in tourism also began, with improvements to beach infrastructure and the regularization of the hotel network, alongside the development of port terminals.<ref name="Vila_História"/>
Today, Vila Velha stands out for its tourism and historical significance. The [[Penha Convent]] is the municipality’s primary attraction and one of the most important historical and religious landmarks in both Espírito Santo and Brazil. The presence of numerous beaches, such as Praia da Costa and Itapoã, enhances the city’s prominence.<ref name="Visite_História">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/vila-velha/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DsHNng4W?url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/vila-velha/ |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Vila Velha |author=Visite Vila Velha |access-date=22 January 2013}}</ref> The city also boasts a robust real estate market and is a growing hub for garment manufacturing and foreign trade, with its port terminals handling approximately 90% of Espírito Santo’s exported goods.<ref name="Visite_História"/>
== Geography == [[File:Vista de Vila Velha ES com o mar ao fundo2.JPG|thumb|right|View of Vila Velha from the Penha Convent, with the sea in the background.]] According to the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]], the municipality spans {{convert|209.965|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, with {{convert|54.57|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in the [[urban area]] and the remaining {{convert|155.49|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in the [[rural area]].<ref name="Embrapa_ES"/> Located at 20°19'48" [[latitude|south latitude]] and 40°17'31" [[longitude|west longitude]],<ref name="Embrapa_ES"/> it lies approximately {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of the state capital, [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]]. Its neighboring municipalities are Vitória to the north, [[Cariacica]] and [[Viana, Espírito Santo|Viana]] to the west, [[Guarapari]] to the south, and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/topwindow.htm?1 |title=Espírito Santo |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |access-date=23 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430164910/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/topwindow.htm?1 |archive-date=2012-04-30}}</ref>
Under the [[Intermediate and Immediate Geographic Regions|regional division]] effective since 2017, established by the IBGE,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ibge.gov.br/geociencias-novoportal/cartas-e-mapas/redes-geograficas/2231-np-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil/15778-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil.html |title=Regional Division of Brazil |author=[[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE) |date=2017 |access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105204157/https://www.ibge.gov.br/geociencias-novoportal/cartas-e-mapas/redes-geograficas/2231-np-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil/15778-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil.html |archive-date=2018-11-05}}</ref> the municipality belongs to the [[List of Intermediate and Immediate Geographic Regions|Intermediate and Immediate Geographic Regions]] of Vitória.<ref>{{cite web |last=IBGE |url=https://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/divisao_regional/divisao_regional_do_brasil/divisao_regional_do_brasil_em_regioes_geograficas_2017/mapas/32_regioes_geograficas_espirito_santo.pdf |title=Geographic Regions of Espírito Santo State |date=2017 |access-date=2 February 2025 |website= |archive-date=22 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522112755/https://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/divisao_regional/divisao_regional_do_brasil/divisao_regional_do_brasil_em_regioes_geograficas_2017/mapas/32_regioes_geograficas_espirito_santo.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Previously, under the division into [[Microregions of Brazil|microregions]] and [[Mesoregions of Brazil|mesoregions]], it was part of the Vitória microregion, within the Central Espírito-Santense mesoregion.<ref name="IBGE_DTB_2016">{{cite web |url=https://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/estrutura_territorial/divisao_territorial/2016/DTB_2016_v2.zip |title=Brazilian Territorial Division 2016 |author=[[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE) |date=2016 |access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-date=23 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623041521/ftp://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/estrutura_territorial/divisao_territorial/2016/DTB_2016_v2.zip |url-status=live }}</ref>
The ongoing [[conurbation]] process in the region is forming a [[metropolis]] centered in [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]], extending to the municipalities of [[Cariacica]], [[Fundão, Espírito Santo|Fundão]], [[Guarapari]], [[Serra, Espírito Santo|Serra]], [[Viana, Espírito Santo|Viana]], and Vila Velha. The [[Greater Vitória|Greater Vitória Metropolitan Area]] (RMV) was established by State Complementary Law No. 58 on 21 February 1995,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ijsn.es.gov.br/ConteudoDigital/20120828_rmgv_2000.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzrOcKON?url=http://www.ijsn.es.gov.br/ConteudoDigital/20120828_rmgv_2000.pdf |archive-date=2013-01-28 |title=Greater Vitória Metropolitan Region |author=Espírito Santo State Planning Secretariat |date=8 July 1999 |publisher=Jones dos Santos Neves Institute for Research and Development Support (IJNS) |access-date=27 January 2013}}</ref> and is currently the [[List of metropolitan areas in Brazil|14th largest urban agglomeration in Brazil]], with over 1.68 million inhabitants. It is the most dynamic economic region in Espírito Santo, accounting for 58% of the state’s wealth and housing 46% of its population and 57% of its urban population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/vila-velha/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dt7MeZAk?url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/vila-velha/ |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Geography and Climate |author=Municipality |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
Vila Velha encompasses two hydrographic basins: the [[Guarapari River]] and [[Jucu River]] basins, with areas of {{convert|32|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and {{convert|179|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, respectively. The [[Jucu River]] is the main river flowing through the municipality, originating in the mountainous region of [[Domingos Martins]] and emptying into the [[Atlantic Ocean]] within Vila Velha’s territory. It supplies water to 60% of the [[Greater Vitória|Greater Vitória Metropolitan Area]]’s population.<ref name="Prefeitura_Jucu">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-descida-do-rio-jucu |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dt9EMXJt?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-descida-do-rio-jucu |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Descent of the Jucu River |author=Municipality |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> The river’s confluence with the sea occasionally forms small [[tidal bore]]s during certain periods of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/geografia%20hidrografia.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dt7KpH4D?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/geografia%20hidrografia.htm |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Hydrography |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
The climate of Vila Velha is classified by the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] as [[tropical climate|tropical]] hot [[tropical monsoon climate|super-humid]] (type Aw per the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen classification]]),<ref name="vetmedunivienna">{{cite web |url=http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/pics/kottek_et_al_2006.gif |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/62twqml5g?url=http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/pics/kottek_et_al_2006.gif |archive-date=2011-11-02 |title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |author=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |publisher=Institute for Veterinary Public Health |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> characterized by dry, mild [[winter]]s and rainy [[summer]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brasil.gov.br/sobre/geografia/mapas/clima |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/62twu0PtQ?url=http://www.brasil.gov.br/sobre/geografia/mapas/clima |archive-date=2011-11-02 |title=Climate |author=Portal Brasil |date=6 January 2010 |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/mapas/GEBIS%20-%20RJ/BrasilClimas.jpg |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/62twzLUBt?url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/mapas/GEBIS%20-%20RJ/BrasilClimas.jpg |archive-date=2011-11-02 |title=Brazil - Climates |author=IBGE Library |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> Winds are consistent year-round, but the passage of occasional [[cold front]]s can cause stronger gusts, with speeds exceeding {{convert|70|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2013/05/noticias/cidades/1437081-vendaval-deixa-rastro-de-prejuizo-e-medo-pelo-estado.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6GUWhxK9i?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2013/05/noticias/cidades/1437081-vendaval-deixa-rastro-de-prejuizo-e-medo-pelo-estado.html |archive-date=2013-05-09 |title=Storm Leaves Trail of Damage and Fear Across the State |author=A Gazeta | work=Gazeta online |date=6 May 2013 |access-date=9 May 2013}}</ref> Extreme cold events are rare. According to data from the [[automatic weather station]] of the [[National Institute of Meteorology]] (INMET) in Vila Velha, located at Fazenda Paraíso, the lowest [[temperature]] recorded was {{convert|9.1|°C|°F|abbr=on}} on 19 May 2022, and the highest was {{convert|37.4|°C|°F|abbr=on}} on 14 March 2019.<ref name="Estação: VILA VELHA A634">{{cite web |url=https://tempo.inmet.gov.br/TabelaEstacoes/A634 |title=Station: VILA VELHA A634 |author=INMET |access-date=January 9, 2025 |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119002636/https://tempo.inmet.gov.br/TabelaEstacoes/A634 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{Weather box |location = Vila Velha (Fazenda Paraíso) |metric first = yes |single line = yes |Jan record high C = 35.9 |Feb record high C = 36.4 |Mar record high C = 37.4 |Apr record high C = 36.2 |May record high C = 35.1 |Jun record high C = 33.4 |Jul record high C = 33.2 |Aug record high C = 33.7 |Sep record high C = 34.9 |Oct record high C = 34.2 |Nov record high C = 37 |Dec record high C = 36.2 |year record high C = 37.4 |Jan record low C = 19.6 |Feb record low C = 19.2 |Mar record low C = 18.8 |Apr record low C = 15.9 |May record low C = 9.1 |Jun record low C = 11.9 |Jul record low C = 12.9 |Aug record low C = 13.2 |Sep record low C = 13.5 |Oct record low C = 15.8 |Nov record low C = 15.1 |Dec record low C = 17.9 |year record low C = 9.1 |source = INMET (14 February 2017–present)<ref name="Estação: VILA VELHA A634"/> }}
=== Topography === [[File:Barra do Jucu - Vila Velha E.S - panoramio.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jucu River]], in the [[Jacarenema Ecological Reserve|Jacarenema Municipal Natural Park]], near Barra do Jucu.]] The terrain is predominantly flat, with the average altitude of the municipal seat at {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level. The municipality has {{convert|32|km|mi|abbr=on}} of coastline along the [[Atlantic Ocean]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/geografia.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dt7G2SqX?url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/vila-velha/ |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Geography |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> Notable elevations include Morro da Concha, a rocky coastal formation covered with [[restinga]]; Morro do Penedo, composed of granitic formations and reaching {{convert|135|m|ft|abbr=on}}; Morro do Moreno, with an altitude of {{convert|164|m|ft|abbr=on}}, designated a natural heritage site by Municipal Law 262 of 1990 and Decree 202 of 1996, and hosting a significant remnant of [[Atlantic Forest]]; and Morro da Penha, at {{convert|154|m|ft|abbr=on}}, home to the [[Penha Convent]], one of Espírito Santo’s most visited sites.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/geografia%20eleva%C3%A7%C3%B5es.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dt7JNAxa?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/geografia%20eleva%C3%A7%C3%B5es.htm |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Elevations of Vila Velha - ES |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
Several islands fall within Vila Velha’s territory. Itatiaia Island is a rocky island near the Praia de Itapuã coast, serving as a breeding ground for seabirds such as [[Ardeidae|herons]] and [[swallow]]s. Garças Island is another key breeding site for species such as herons and the [[black-crowned night heron]], with its [[restinga]] vegetation supporting conservation efforts. Located {{convert|800|m|yd|abbr=on}} from the mainland, it is used for fishing but access is restricted from January to March during the breeding season. Pacotes Island, restricted to the [[Brazilian Navy]], hosts a maritime signaling lighthouse.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guiadolitoral.uol.com.br/vila_velha-1797_2008.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1B9ZJjs?url=http://guiadolitoral.uol.com.br/vila_velha-1797_2008.html |archive-date=2013-01-28 |title=The Beaches and Islands of Espírito Santo's Historic Capital |author=Guia do Litoral |date=8 January 2008 |access-date=28 January 2013}}</ref>
=== Ecology and environment === [[File:Vista da Terceira Ponte e do Morro do Moreno a partir do Convento da Penha, Vila Velha ES2.JPG|thumb|right|[[Third Bridge]] passing over a preservation area at the foot of Morro do Moreno]] The original and predominant vegetation in the municipality is the [[Atlantic Forest]], with some areas of [[restinga]]. However, much of the native forest has been cleared in recent years, primarily to accommodate urban expansion and the construction of condominiums, subdivisions, and residential developments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eshoje.jor.br/denuncia-condominio-de-casas-de-luxo-em-vila-velha-esta-desmatando-uma-area-de-mata-atlantica.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DtY3qRlR?url=http://eshoje.jor.br/denuncia-condominio-de-casas-de-luxo-em-vila-velha-esta-desmatando-uma-area-de-mata-atlantica.html |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Complaint: Luxury Housing Condominium in Vila Velha is Deforesting an Atlantic Forest Area |author=Jenniffer Sodré |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=ES Hoje |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> To address this, various initiatives have been implemented or are planned, including the creation of Natural Areas, which are non-urbanized zones designated as conservation units (UC) or Permanent Preservation Areas (APP).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-areas-naturais |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DtY641yw?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-areas-naturais |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Natural Areas |author=Municipality |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
Vila Velha has eleven Permanent Preservation Areas (APP): Lagoa Grande, in Ponta da Fruta; Morro de Argolas, established to protect the local Atlantic Forest fauna and flora; Morro do Pão Doce, in the São Torquato district; Lagoa de Jacuném, in Ponta da Fruta, encompassing a complex of about {{convert|100|ha|acre|abbr=on}} of Atlantic Forest and restinga remnants; Morro da Ucharia, in the Prainha neighborhood; Morro do Convento, an ecological reserve also home to the [[Penha Convent]]; Morro do Moreno, a significant Atlantic Forest fragment covering {{convert|580647.98|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}; Morro do Cruzeiro, a native forest reserve between the Jardim Colorado, Santos Dumont, Jardim Guadalajara, Brisamar, and Guadalupe neighborhoods; Morro do Jaburuna, a complex of three coastal rocky massifs hosting a native forest reserve; Lagoa Encantada, with an area of {{convert|1194804.85|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}; and Lagoa de Jabaeté, spanning {{convert|3402037.69|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Prefeitura_APP">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-areas-de-preservacao-permanente-app |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DtYCMC58?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-areas-de-preservacao-permanente-app |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) |author=Municipality |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
According to the municipality, there are currently three conservation units: the Morro da Manteigueira Municipal Natural Park, established on 13 November 1999, with an area of {{convert|168.30|ha|acre|abbr=on}}, located along the Vitória Bay channel at the mouth of the Aribiri River, near the Glória neighborhood; the [[Jacarenema Ecological Reserve|Jacarenema Municipal Natural Park]], created in 2003 and ratified in 2008, covering {{convert|346.27|ha|acre|abbr=on}} in the Barra do Jucu neighborhood; and the Morro do Penedo Natural Monument, along the Vitória Bay channel, established in 2007 and regularized in 2010 to protect the Atlantic Forest remnants on the Morro do Penedo rocky formation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-unidades-de-conservacao-uc |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DtY8fZFY?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/meio-ambiente-unidades-de-conservacao-uc |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Conservation Units (UC) |author=Municipality |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
== Demography == {{Historical populations |type = Brazil |1970 | 123742 |1980 | 203401 |1991 | 265586 |2000 | 345965 |2010 | 414586 |2022 | 467722 |footnote = Source: [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=19&i=P&c=200 |title=Table 200 - Resident population by sex, situation, and age groups - Sample - General Population Characteristics |author=IBGE Automatic Recovery System (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=23 February 2016 |archive-date=15 October 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151015213855/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=200&i=P&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=200&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=1&poc2=1&opc1=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&poc1=1&sec58=0&orp=6&qtu3=29&qtu13=47&opv=1&opc2=1&sec1=0&pop=3&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc2=3&opc58=1&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sec2=0&opp=2&opn3=0&qtu6=5566&opn13=0&orc1=4&poc58=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&orc58=5&opn7=0&decm=99&ascendente=on&sep=36960&orn=1&qtu7=36&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Tim%C3%B3teo&OpcCara=44&proc=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> }} In 2010, the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE) recorded the municipality’s population at {{formatnum:414420}} inhabitants, with {{formatnum:199083}} men and {{formatnum:215337}} women. According to the same census, {{formatnum:412402}} residents lived in the [[urban area]], and {{formatnum:2018}} in the [[rural area]].<ref name="IBGE_Pop_2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/populacao/censo2010/tabelas_pdf/total_populacao_espirito_santo.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dtm2vo3T?url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/populacao/censo2010/tabelas_pdf/total_populacao_espirito_santo.pdf |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=2010 Population Census |author=[[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE) |date=29 November 2010 |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> By 2020, statistics indicated a population of {{formatnum:501325}}, making it the second most populous municipality in the state (behind [[Serra, Espírito Santo|Serra]]) and the [[List of cities in Brazil by population|48th most populous in Brazil]].
The [[Human Development Index]] of Vila Velha is considered very high by the [[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP), with a value of 0.8, ranking it the second highest in Espírito Santo (among 77 municipalities) and the 273rd in Brazil (among 5,570).<ref name="PNUD_IDH_2010"/> Most of the city’s indicators are high and above the national average, according to the UNDP.<ref name="PNUD_IDH_2010"/>
=== Poverty and inequality === [[File:Favelas em Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|left|Slums in Vila Velha, in the São Torquato district, in 2011]] According to the IBGE, in 2003, the [[Gini coefficient]], which measures [[Economic inequality|social inequality]], was 0.40, where 1.00 represents the highest inequality and 0.00 the lowest.<ref name="GINI"/> That year, the incidence of poverty, as measured by the IBGE, was 21.07%, with a lower limit of 18.27%, an upper limit of 23.87%, and a subjective poverty incidence of 17.11%.<ref name="GINI">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=mpobreza2003&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Social Indicators of Brazilian Municipalities |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |access-date=23 January 2013 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731135718/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=mpobreza2003&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref>
From 2000 to 2010, the proportion of individuals with a per capita household income of up to half the minimum wage decreased by 54.6%. In 2010, 94.7% of the population lived above the poverty line, 3.4% were at the poverty line, and 1.8% were below it.<ref name="ODM_Perfil">{{cite web |url=http://www.portalodm.com.br/relatorios/PDF/gera_PDF.php?cidade=9800 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dtm413jy?url=http://www.portalodm.com.br/relatorios/PDF/gera_PDF.php?cidade=9800 |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Municipal Profile — Vila Velha - ES |author=Portal ODM |date=2010 |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> In 2000, the wealthiest 20% of the population accounted for 61.3% of the municipality’s total income, 24 times higher than the 2.5% share of the poorest 20%. In 1991, the poorest 20% held 2.6% of the income, indicating an increase in social inequality from the early 1990s to 2000.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/>
In 2008, according to the municipality, there were records of [[slum]]s, [[stilt house]]s, and irregular subdivisions. In 2010, {{formatnum:61485}} inhabitants lived in subnormal agglomerations, areas characterized by irregular land occupation or urban zones with inadequate public services.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/> The IBGE identifies Vila Velha as the municipality with the highest number of subnormal agglomerations in Espírito Santo, with the Barramares neighborhood being the largest, housing {{formatnum:12405}} inhabitants in 2010, according to the institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st&areas=3205200&variavel=&filtro=&corBase=FFFFFF&corMin=FFFF00&corMax=660000&corFill=&opFill=0.8&corContorno=000000&espContorno=1&opContorno=0.75&showMenu=true |title=Synopsis by Sectors |publisher=IBGE |access-date=19 December 2017 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222104912/https://censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st&areas=3205200&variavel=&filtro=&corBase=FFFFFF&corMin=FFFF00&corMax=660000&corFill=&opFill=0.8&corContorno=000000&espContorno=1&opContorno=0.75&showMenu=true |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2011/12/noticias/cbn_vitoria/comentaristas/roberto_simoes/1066432-vila-velha-e-o-municipio-que-tem-mais-favelas-no-es-segundo-dados-do-ibge.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dtm77eEM?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2011/12/noticias/cbn_vitoria/comentaristas/roberto_simoes/1066432-vila-velha-e-o-municipio-que-tem-mais-favelas-no-es-segundo-dados-do-ibge.html |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Vila Velha is the Municipality with the Most Slums in ES, According to IBGE Data |author=Roberto Simões |date=14 March 2011 |publisher=CBN |access-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>
=== Religion === [[File:Vista do Convento da Penha, Vila Velha ES2.jpg|thumb|right|View of the [[Penha Convent]] from its parking lot]] Most Vila Velha residents identify as Catholic, though the city now hosts dozens of different Protestant denominations, as well as practices such as [[Buddhism]], [[Islam]], [[Kardecist spiritism|Spiritism]], and others. There are also notable Jewish, Mormon, and Afro-Brazilian religious communities. According to the 2010 census by the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]], the population of Vila Velha comprises: [[Roman Catholicism|Catholics]] (48.47%), [[Protestantism|Evangelicals]] (35.90%), [[Irreligion|people with no religion]] (11.10%), [[Kardecist spiritism|Spiritists]] (1.75%), with the remainder distributed among other religions.<ref name="SIDRA_Religião">{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=11&i=P&c=2094 |title=Resident Population by Color or Race and Religion |author=IBGE Automatic Recovery System (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=23 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523094157/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=11&i=P&c=2094 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IBGE_Religião">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=censo2010_relig&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=2010 Demographic Census: Religion - Sample |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731132617/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=censo2010_relig&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Roman Catholic Church=== According to the organizational structure of the [[Catholic Church]], the municipality of Vila Velha is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Vitória, with its seat in [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]]. It also belongs to the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vitória|Archdiocese of Vitória]], which was established as a [[diocese]] on November 15, 1895, and elevated to an [[archdiocese]] on February 16, 1958.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aves.org.br/secao/historia |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuW1rCzN?url=http://www.aves.org.br/secao/historia |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=A História da Arquidiocese de Vitória |trans-title=The History of the Archdiocese of Vitória |author=[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vitória|Archdiocese of Vitória]] |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Within the city, Catholic communities are organized under 15 parishes, namely: Convento Nossa Senhora da Penha (at the [[Penha Convent]]); Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida (Cobilândia); Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Glória (Glória); Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Graças (Coqueiral de Itaparica); Paróquia Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro (Praia da Costa); Paróquia Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Franciscans; Paróquia Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, Orionites (Barra do Jucu); Paróquia Santa Mãe de Deus (Ibes); Paróquia Santa Rita de Cássia (Santa Rita); Paróquia Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus, Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (Paul); Paróquia Santíssima Trindade (Aribiri); Paróquia Santo Antônio de Santana Galvão (Guaranhuns); Paróquia São Francisco de Assis (Praia de Itapoã); and Paróquia São Lucas (Novo México).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aves.org.br/paroquias,7,1.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuW76j6W?url=http://www.aves.org.br/paroquias,7,1.html |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Paróquias da Arquidiocese de Vitória |trans-title=Parishes of the Archdiocese of Vitória |author=[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vitória|Archdiocese of Vitória]] |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário Vila Velha Espírito Santo 2019-3371.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Façade of the [[Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Vila Velha)|Church of Our Lady of the Rosary]]]]
Since the founding of the "Vila do Espírito Santo" in 1535, Christianity has been a significant presence in Vila Velha, as evidenced by the city’s original name.<ref name="Prefeitura_História"></ref> Shortly thereafter, construction began on the most prominent Catholic religious site in both the municipality and the state, the [[Penha Convent]]. This site hosts the annual Festa da Penha every April, a Catholic cultural and religious celebration honoring the patroness of Espírito Santo, [[Our Lady of Peñafrancia]].<ref name="Vila_História"></ref> Other significant Catholic churches in the city, noted for their historical and architectural value, include the [[Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Vila Velha)|Church of Our Lady of the Rosary]], one of the oldest in Brazil, which retains the original style of its façade reconstructed in the 18th century;<ref name="Vila_Prainha">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Turismo%20Roteiro%20Prainha.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuWAou80?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Turismo%20Roteiro%20Prainha.htm |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Roteiro Histórico da Prainha |trans-title=Historical Route of Prainha |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Church of Our Lady of Glory, located in Barra do Jucu, built between 1900 and 1913 using stone masonry in the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic style]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.litoral360graus.com.br/2009/10/01/igreja-nossa-senhora-da-gloria-na-barra-do-jucu-em-vila-velha-es/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuWChA2q?url=http://www.litoral360graus.com.br/2009/10/01/igreja-nossa-senhora-da-gloria-na-barra-do-jucu-em-vila-velha-es/ |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Igreja Nossa Senhora da Gloria na Barra do Jucu |trans-title=Church of Our Lady of Glory in Barra do Jucu |author=Luciano Corrêa |date=1 October 2009 |publisher=Litoral 360 Graus |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Protestant, Pentecostal, and other churches=== Vila Velha is home to a diverse array of Protestant and evangelical denominations, including historical and missionary groups such as the [[Presbyterian Church of Brazil]], [[United Presbyterian Church of Brazil]] (which adheres to liberal theology), [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil]] (linked to German missions), [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil|Evangelical Lutheran Church]] (of American missionary origin), Reformed Anglican Church of Brazil, [[Union of Congregational Churches in Brazil|Union of Congregational Churches of Brazil]], [[Brazilian Baptist Convention]], and the [[Methodist Church in Brazil]]. Among [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] churches, notable ones include the [[General Convention of the Assemblies of God in Brazil]], National Convention of the Assemblies of God in Brazil (known as Assembleia de Deus Madureira), [[National Baptist Convention, Brazil|National Baptist Convention]], [[God Is Love Pentecostal Church]], and the [[International Church of the Foursquare Gospel]]. Within the [[Neo-charismatic movement]], prominent churches include the [[Universal Church of the Kingdom of God]], [[International Grace of God Church]], [[World Church of God's Power|World Church of God’s Power]], and the Sara Nossa Terra Evangelical Community. Among Protestant denominations, the largest is the Christian Maranata Church, founded in Vila Velha over 50 years ago and present in all municipalities of Espírito Santo, followed by the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] and the [[Christian Congregation in Brazil]]. As noted earlier, according to the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]], 35.90% of the population in 2010 identified as Protestant.<ref name="IBGE_Religião"></ref> Of this total, 20.58% belonged to Pentecostal evangelical churches, and 9.65% were part of missionary evangelical churches.<ref name="SIDRA_Religião"></ref><ref name="IBGE_Religião"/>
In smaller numbers, there are also Christians from various other denominations, including [[Jehovah’s Witnesses]] (representing 0.81% of the population), members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (0.17%), and adherents of [[Spiritualism (movement)|spiritualist]] teachings (0.04% of the population).<ref name="SIDRA_Religião"/><ref name="IBGE_Religião"/>
====Christian Maranata Church==== Founded in Vila Velha in 1968, the Christian Maranata Church has expanded throughout Espírito Santo and Brazil, becoming the largest evangelical church in the state. It also has a presence in several countries worldwide. The Christian Maranata Church (ICM) is distinguished by its robust evangelistic efforts, providing spiritual and social support to communities.
The ICM operates under a hierarchical governance structure, with a presbytery in Vila Velha that centrally administers all its churches in Brazil and abroad. One of its well-known centers is the Maanaim, with the primary facility located in [[Domingos Martins]], accommodating 4,000 people every two weeks for biblical seminars.
=== Ethnic groups and immigration === [[File:Benedito Calixto - A chegada de Frei Pedro Palácios.jpg|thumb|right|"The Arrival of Friar Pedro Palácios" (1926), a painting by [[Benedito Calixto]] depicting the arrival of Friar Pedro Palácios in 1558, a Spaniard tasked with constructing the [[Penha Convent]]]] In 2010, according to data from the IBGE Census, the population of Vila Velha was composed of 195,475 [[Pardo|multiracial]] individuals (47.15%), 181,278 [[White Brazilians|Whites]] (43.73%), 33,859 [[Black Brazilians|Blacks]] (8.17%), 3,061 [[Asian Brazilians|Asians]] (0.74%), and 896 [[Indigenous peoples of Brazil|Indigenous]] individuals (0.22%), with 17 undeclared.<ref name="SIDRA_Raça">{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=11&i=P&c=3175 |title=População residente por cor ou raça e religião |trans-title=Resident Population by Color or Race and Religion |author=IBGE Automatic Recovery System (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924101747/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=11&i=P&c=3175 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The first immigrants arrived in the area now known as Vila Velha during the colonial period, coexisting with the indigenous population. With the establishment of the new capital of the [[Captaincy of Espírito Santo]], [[Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo|Vasco Fernandes Coutinho]] brought 60 men, most of whom were [[Portugal|Portuguese]]. In subsequent years, small numbers of [[Spain|Spaniards]] and [[Netherlands|Dutch]] also arrived.<ref name="Vila_História"/> In the late 19th century and particularly during the 20th century, employment opportunities attracted more immigrants, with the most significant influx occurring in the 1960s. It is estimated that 75% of immigrants during this period were [[Italy|Italians]], who settled on private properties, as the region lacked agricultural colonies like those in the interior of Espírito Santo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oriundi.net/site/oriundi.php?menu=noticiasdet&id=9170 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuWGV5u3?url=http://www.oriundi.net/site/oriundi.php?menu=noticiasdet&id=9170 |archive-date=24 January 2013 |title=Italianos de Vila Velha descobrem suas raízes no Arquivo Itinerante da APEES |trans-title=Italians from Vila Velha Discover Their Roots in the Itinerant APEES Archive |author=Lunedì | work=Oriundi |date=23 June 2008 |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Conversely, in 2010, 2,982 individuals emigrated from Vila Velha to other countries, with 876 moving to the [[United States]] (29.38%), 787 to [[Portugal]] (26.39%), 427 to [[Italy]] (14.32%), 224 to [[England]] (7.51%), 175 to [[Spain]] (5.87%), and 493 to other destinations worldwide (16.53%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=11&i=P&c=3173 |title=Tabela 3173 - Emigrantes internacionais, por sexo, segundo os continentes e países estrangeiros de destino |trans-title=Table 3173 - International Emigrants, by Sex, According to Continents and Foreign Destination Countries |author=IBGE Automatic Recovery System (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=24 January 2013 }}</ref> The majority of these emigrants left Brazil in search of better living conditions and greater job opportunities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brasilescola.com/brasil/migracao-externa-no-brasil.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuWOONSx?url=http://www.brasilescola.com/brasil/migracao-externa-no-brasil.htm |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Migração externa no Brasil |trans-title=External Migration in Brazil |author=Eduardo de Freitas |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Politics and administration == [[File:Prefeitura de Vila Velha ES.JPG|left|thumb|Vila Velha town hall]] Municipal administration in Vila Velha is carried out by the [[Executive (government)|Executive]] and [[Legislature|Legislative]] branches. The Executive branch is led by the mayor, supported by a cabinet of secretaries. The current mayor is Arnaldinho Borgo ([[Podemos (Brazil)|Podemos]]), who was elected in the second round of the 2020 municipal elections. The Legislative branch is represented by the [[Câmara municipal|municipal chamber]], which consists of 17 councilors.<ref name="vereadores">{{cite web |author= |date=October 2, 2016 |title=Candidatos / Vereadores Eleitos de Vila Velha |url=https://www.eleicoes2016.com.br/candidatos-vereador-vila-velha-es/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105212040/https://www.eleicoes2016.com.br/candidatos-vereador-vila-velha-es/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> The chamber is responsible for drafting and voting on fundamental laws for the administration and the Executive, particularly the participatory budget (Budget Guidelines Law).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jusvi.com/artigos/20074 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/67UGgjcdE?url=http://jusvi.com/artigos/20074 |archive-date=2012-05-07 |title=O Poder Público Municipal à frente da obrigação constitucional de criação do sistema de controle interno |author=Flávio Henrique M. Lima |date=February 8, 2006 |publisher=JusVi |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
To complement the legislative process and the work of the secretariats, several active municipal councils are in operation, including those for the rights of children and adolescents (established in 1991), guardianship (1997), the elderly (2004), and women (2002).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2011&posicao=7&municipio=3205200&UF=31 |title=Conselhos municipais |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2011 |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105212144/https://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2011&posicao=7&municipio=3205200&UF=31 |archive-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Vila Velha is governed by its [[organic law]], promulgated on October 25, 1990,<ref name="Orgânica">{{cite web |url=http://www.leismunicipais.com.br/lei-organica/vilavelha-es/873 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Duacd1II?url=http://www.leismunicipais.com.br/lei-organica/vilavelha-es/873 |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Lei Orgânica do Município de Vila Velha |author=Prefeitura |date=October 25, 1990 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and hosts a [[judicial district]] of the state judiciary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnj.jus.br/noticias/judiciario/13443-vila-velhaes-tera-vara-de-violencia-contra-a-mulher |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuadtR4G?url=http://www.cnj.jus.br/noticias/judiciario/13443-vila-velhaes-tera-vara-de-violencia-contra-a-mulher |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Vila Velha(ES) terá vara de violência contra a mulher |author=Sílvia Gonçalves e Hylda Cavalcanti |date=March 4, 2011 |publisher=Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2018, the municipality had 298,748 registered voters, according to the [[Superior Electoral Court]] (TSE),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eleicoesepolitica.net/numero-total-de-eleitores/vila-velha-es/ |title=Serra ES – Número de Eleitores/Habitantes na Cidade em 2018 |author=Eleições e Política |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105212531/https://www.eleicoesepolitica.net/numero-total-de-eleitores/vila-velha-es/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> making it the second-largest electoral college in Espírito Santo, behind only [[Serra, Espírito Santo|Serra]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.gazetaonline.com.br/victorhugo/2515/serra-sera-o-maior-colegio-eleitoral-es-em-2018/ |title=Serra será o maior colégio eleitoral do ES em 2018 |author=Leonel Vasconcelos Ximene |date=August 21, 2017 |publisher=Gazeta Online |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092859/https://blogs.gazetaonline.com.br/victorhugo/2515/serra-sera-o-maior-colegio-eleitoral-es-em-2018/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> (320,800 voters).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eleicoesepolitica.net/numero-total-de-eleitores/serra-es/ |title=Serra ES – Número de Eleitores/Habitantes na Cidade em 2018 |author=Eleições e Política |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105212745/https://www.eleicoesepolitica.net/numero-total-de-eleitores/serra-es/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Due to having more than 200,000 voters, a second round is required in municipal elections if the leading mayoral candidate does not secure more than 50% of the votes in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eshoje.jor.br/es-tera-quase-2624-milhoes-de-eleitores-no-pleito-de-outubro.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Duag73t5?url=http://eshoje.jor.br/es-tera-quase-2624-milhoes-de-eleitores-no-pleito-de-outubro.html |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=ES terá quase 2,624 milhões de eleitores no pleito de outubro |author=ES Hoje |date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The city of [[Qingdao]], in [[China]], has been a [[sister city]] of Vila Velha since April 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sedes.es.gov.br/index.php/noticias/430-cidades-irmas-chineses-assinam-termo-de-cooperacao-com-vila-velha |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuaqPxRv?url=http://www.sedes.es.gov.br/index.php/noticias/430-cidades-irmas-chineses-assinam-termo-de-cooperacao-com-vila-velha |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Cidades irmãs: chineses assinam termo de cooperação com Vila Velha |author=Fabíola Zardini |date=April 19, 2011 |publisher=Secretária do Estado do Espírito Santo (SEDES) |access-date=August 15, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Subdivisions == Vila Velha is divided into five districts: Argolas, Ibes, Jucu, São Torquato, and the Sede. The Sede is the most populous, with 171,862 inhabitants, followed by Ibes, with 124,630 residents, according to the IBGE in 2010.<ref name="IBGE_Sinopse">{{cite web |url=http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st |title=Sinopse por setores |author=[[Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística]] (IBGE) |date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014194720/http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st |url-status=live }}</ref> Argolas and Jucu were established by state decree-law no. 15177 on December 31, 1943, initially under the jurisdiction of [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]], and were transferred to Vila Velha in 1947. São Torquato and Ibes were created by state law no. 1935 on January 8, 1964.<ref name="IBGE_História">{{cite web |url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/espiritosanto/vilavelha.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DudnoEpJ?url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/espiritosanto/vilavelha.pdf |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Vila Velha - Histórico |author=Enciclopédia dos Municípios Brasileiros |date=2007 |publisher=[[Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística]] (IBGE) |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The municipality is further divided into ninety-two official [[Bairro|neighborhoods]], as defined by law no. 4707 of 2008.<ref name="Prefeitura_Conheça">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-economico-conhecendo-o-municipio |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dudlx9D0?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-economico-conhecendo-o-municipio |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Conhecendo o município |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:0 auto;" |+ '''Districts of Vila Velha ([[Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|IBGE]]/2010)'''<ref name="IBGE_Sinopse" /> ! rowspan="2" style="background:#dcdcdc;" | District ! colspan="3" | Population ! rowspan="2" | Private<br>households |- ! Men ! Women ! Total |- | style="background:#dcdcdc;" | Argolas | 17,692 | 18,888 | 36,580 | 12,486 |- | style="background:#dcdcdc;" | Ibes | 59,770 | 64,860 | 124,630 | 44,322 |- | style="background:#dcdcdc;" | Jucu | 31,114 | 31,595 | 62,709 | 23,503 |- | style="background:#dcdcdc;" | São Torquato | 9,086 | 9,719 | 18,805 | 7,018 |- | style="background:#dcdcdc;" | Sede | 81,414 | 90,378 | 171,862 | 69,575 |}
== Economy == According to 2010 IBGE data, Vila Velha's GDP was R$6,978,690,000.<ref name="IBGE_PIB">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=pibmunic&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Produto Interno Bruto dos Municípios |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731131345/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=pibmunic&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref> Of this, R$1,168,138,000 consisted of taxes on products net of subsidies at current prices. The [[Gross domestic product|GDP per capita]] was R$16,839.60 [[Brazilian real|reais]].<ref name="IBGE_PIB" />
According to the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE), in 2010, the city had 13,621 local units and 13,198 active commercial enterprises and establishments. A total of 111,610 workers were classified as employed, with 94,617 categorized as salaried employees. [[Salary|Salaries]] and other remuneration amounted to R$1,403,035,000, and the average monthly salary in the municipality was 2.3 [[minimum wage]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=empresas&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Estatísticas do Cadastro Central de Empresas |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731135247/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=empresas&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref> Agriculture, which sustained Vila Velha for much of its history since its founding, declined in importance during the 20th century, giving way to commerce, tourism, and industry.<ref name="Prefeitura_História" />
=== Primary sector === {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%; float:right; margin:1em; border-collapse:border; text-align:center;" ! colspan="3" class= style="background:#b8860b; text-align:right; font-size:larger; color:indigo;"|'''Production of sugarcane, cassava, and corn (2010)<ref name="IBGE_Lavoura"/> ''' |- style="background:#f5f5f5;" || '''Product''' || '''Harvested area (hectares)''' || '''Production (tons)''' |- | Sugarcane | 100 | 5,400 |- | Cassava | 45 | 675 |- | Corn | 25 | 38 |}
Agriculture is the least significant sector of Vila Velha's economy. Of the city's total gross domestic product, R$12,171,000 is the gross value added by agriculture.<ref name="IBGE_PIB"/> According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, in 2010, the municipality had approximately 17,490 cattle, 520 horses, ten donkeys, 130 mules, 5,623 pigs, 295 goats, and 400 sheep. There were 2,825 poultry, including 2,140 roosters, pullets, broilers, and chicks, 685 hens, and 16,700 quails, with 5,000 dozen chicken eggs and 431,000 dozen quail eggs produced. A total of 1,700 cows were milked, yielding 1,239,000 liters of milk. Additionally, 10,020 kilograms of honey were produced.<ref name="Agropecuária">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=prodpec2011&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Pecuária 2010 |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731134903/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=prodpec2011&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref> Maritime fishing is also notable, with approximately 1,000 fishermen and 548 registered vessels, capturing an average of 250 tons of fish monthly.<ref name="Prefeitura_Pesca">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-economico-vocacao-para-pesca |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxcRJe0?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-economico-vocacao-para-pesca |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Vocação para pesca |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In temporary crop farming, the main products are [[sugarcane]] (5,400 tons produced from 100 hectares), [[cassava]] (675 tons from 45 hectares), [[corn]] (38 tons from 25 hectares), and [[bean]]s (32 tons from 40 hectares).<ref name="IBGE_Lavoura">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=lavtemp2011&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Lavoura Temporária 2010 |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 24, 2013}}</ref> In permanent crops, notable products include [[coconut]] (366,000 fruits from 70 hectares), coagulated [[latex]] rubber (239 tons from 199 hectares), [[Orange (fruit)|oranges]] (93 tons from 13 hectares), [[coffee]] (50 tons from 25 hectares), and [[heart of palm]] (16 tons from 11 hectares).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=lavperm2011&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Lavoura Permanente 2010 |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731134727/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=lavperm2011&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Secondary sector === [[File:Loja da Garoto e passarela para a fábrica sobre a Avenida Jerônimo Monteiro, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|[[Chocolates Garoto]] factory]] [[File:Vista do Shopping Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|Shopping Vila Velha, one of the city's shopping centers]] The industry is currently the second most significant sector of the municipal economy. R$1,513,311,000 of the municipal gross domestic product comes from the gross value added by industry (secondary sector).<ref name="IBGE_PIB"/> Industry gained prominence in the city with the establishment of the [[Chocolates Garoto]] factory, founded in August 1929, which is now one of the largest in the country.<ref name="Vila_História" /> In addition to Garoto, the city excels in foreign trade and port systems, light industries (food, clothing, and beverages), and civil construction.<ref name="Prefeitura_Conheça" />
The Vila Velha Port Terminal is one of the largest in southeastern Brazil, and Espírito Santo is considered a privileged area for this activity due to its central location in Brazil and easy connections to the rest of the country.<ref name="Prefeitura_Sustentável">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/files/arquivos/publicacoes/publicidade/6-plano-de-desenvolvimento-sustentavel-de-vila-velha/174-plano-de-desenvolvimento-sustentavel-de-vila-velha.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxlBqw7?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/files/arquivos/publicacoes/publicidade/6-plano-de-desenvolvimento-sustentavel-de-vila-velha/174-plano-de-desenvolvimento-sustentavel-de-vila-velha.pdf |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Plano de desenvolvimento sustentável de Vila Velha |author=Prefeitura |date=2010 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The port exports steel products, marble and granite, coffee, automobiles, solid bulk, paper rolls, and cellulose to various states and countries.<ref name="Vila_Outras">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Turismo%20Outras%20Atra%C3%A7oes.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxmpmC5?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Turismo%20Outras%20Atra%C3%A7oes.htm |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Outras Atrações |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Tertiary sector === The provision of [[Service (economics)|services]] contributes R$4,285,070,000 to the municipal gross domestic product, making it the largest source of Vila Velha's GDP, accounting for 72.44% of the city's average annual revenue.<ref name="IBGE_PIB"/> In the tertiary sector, commerce and tourism are the highlights.<ref name="Prefeitura_Conheça"/> Most commercial establishments in Vila Velha are micro and small businesses, which accounted for 73% of formal job hires in August 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/as-micro-e-pequenas-empresas-geram-mais-empregos-2940 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Duxo8kJl?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/as-micro-e-pequenas-empresas-geram-mais-empregos-2940 |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=As micro e pequenas empresas geram mais empregos |author=Ana Paula Gonçalves |date=September 23, 2012 |publisher=Prefeitura |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> By October 2012, there were 11,850 registered individual entrepreneurs in the municipality. Projects implemented by the city hall, in partnership with the state or the [[Sebrae|Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises]] (Sebrae), aim to encourage and guide the work of micro and small entrepreneurs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxKgEx5?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/aqui-os-pequenos-negocios-tem-grandes-oportunidades-3012 |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Aqui, os Pequenos Negócios têm Grandes Oportunidades |author=Ana Paula Gonçalves |date=October 5, 2012 |publisher=Prefeitura |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Key commercial areas include the numerous open-air markets scattered throughout the city;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Feiras%20Livre.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxWIu1E?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Feiras%20Livre.htm |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Feiras Livres Vila Velha - ES |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> the Glória Fashion Pole, located in the Glória neighborhood, with over 900 stores spread across several streets and dozens of galleries offering jewelry, bags, belts, beachwear, jeans, knits, and fabrics;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.googlegloria.com/gloria.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxXUCVq?url=http://www.googlegloria.com/gloria.html |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Polo de Moda da Glória |author= |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the city center and along the waterfront.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/Mostra.asp?Id=9 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DuxYrrex?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/Mostra.asp?Id=9 |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Centro de Vila Velha vai ganhar novas calçadas e ciclovia |author=Eliaro |date=April 19, 2008 |publisher=Vila Capixaba |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The avenues along the coast also host most of the inns, hotels, and restaurants catering to various economic classes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/hoteis.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Duxa0LnP?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/hoteis.htm |archive-date=2013-01-24 |title=Hotéis e Pousadas |author=Vila Capixaba |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Urban structure == === Education === [[File:Vista da Universidade Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|left|''Campus'' of the Vila Velha University (UVV), a private university in the city.]] In 2011, the average Basic Education Development Index among Vila Velha's public schools was 4.3, matching the average for municipal and state schools across Brazil.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/> The Human Development Index (HDI) for education was 0.734 (classified as high), compared to Brazil's 0.849. In 1991, the index was 0.686.<ref name="PNUD_IDH_2010"/>
In 2009, the municipality had approximately 80,838 enrollments in public and private schools.<ref name="IBGE_Educação"/> According to the IBGE, in the same year, of the 135 elementary schools, 21 were state-run, 58 were municipal, and 56 were private. Of the 47 high schools, 18 were state-run, and 29 were private.<ref name="IBGE_Educação"/> In 2010, 13.4% of children aged 7 to 14 were not attending elementary school, and the completion rate among youths aged 15 to 17 was 63.1%. The literacy rate for the population aged 15 to 24 was 99.1%. In 2006, for every 100 girls in elementary school, there were 104 boys.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/>
The Municipal Education Secretariat aims to coordinate and provide administrative and pedagogical support to Vila Velha's school system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/educacao-quem-somos |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVXXAh1?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/educacao-quem-somos |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Quem somos |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Examples of programs coordinated by the Secretariat include Youth and Adult Education (EJA), a free education network for adults who did not complete elementary school,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/educacao-nunca-e-tarde-para-estudar |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVaNTNg?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/educacao-nunca-e-tarde-para-estudar |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Nunca é tarde para estudar |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and a special education network, where students with physical disabilities are supported by specialized teachers in adapted classrooms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/educacao-oportunidades-para-todos |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVbvkiK?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/educacao-oportunidades-para-todos |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Oportunidades para todos |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:0 auto;" |+ Education in Vila Velha by numbers<ref name="IBGE_Educação">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=educa&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Ensino, matrículas, docentes e rede escolar 2009 |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2009 |access-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731124927/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=educa&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref> ! Level ! Enrollments ! Teachers ! Schools (total) |- ! [[Early childhood education]] | 9,237 | 513 | 90 |- ! [[Primary education]] | 56,473 | 2,632 | 135 |- ! [[Secondary education]] | 15,128 | 915 | 47 |}
=== Health === [[File:Entrada do Hospital Estadual Infantil e Maternidade Alzir Bernardino Alves, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|Entrance of the Alzir Bernardino Alves Children's State Hospital and Maternity]] In 2009, Vila Velha had 163 healthcare facilities, including hospitals, [[emergency department|emergency rooms]], [[health center|health clinics]], and [[dentistry|dental services]], with 28 being public and 135 private. These facilities provided 792 hospitalization beds, with 207 in public facilities and 585 in private ones.<ref name="IBGE_Saúde">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=assismed&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Serviços de Saúde 2009 |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2009 |access-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731125918/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=assismed&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, 92.2% of children under one year old had up-to-date vaccination records.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/> In 2010, the infant mortality rate was 8.4 per 1,000 children under one year old, with 99.7% of live births attended by qualified health professionals, and the [[birth rate]] was 5,820 live births.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/> In the same year, 14.8% of pregnant women were girls under 20 years old.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/> A total of 22,518 children were weighed by the Family Health Program, with 0.4% found to be malnourished.<ref name="ODM_Perfil"/>
As of January 2013, Vila Velha's municipal healthcare network consisted of 17 Primary Healthcare Units, seven of which operate under the Family Health Strategy, where specialized medical teams map territories for home visits, and ten function as traditional units with scheduled consultations or minor emergencies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-atencao-primaria-a-saude |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVOBoST?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-atencao-primaria-a-saude |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Atenção Primária à Saúde |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Municipal Health Secretariat, a body under the city hall responsible for managing public health services, also maintains programs such as the School Health Program, which organizes lectures, workshops, and oral health prevention for schoolchildren;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-programa-saude-na-escola |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVQ82Zm?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-programa-saude-na-escola |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Programa Saúde na Escola |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> the Adolescent Health Program;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-saude-do-adolescente |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVRiwur?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-saude-do-adolescente |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Saúde do adolescente |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> the Elderly Health Program;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-saude-do-idoso |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVTh3GF?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-saude-do-idoso |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Saúde do idoso |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the Worker Health Program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-saude-do-trabalhador |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVVILWF?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/saude-saude-do-trabalhador |archive-date=January 25, 2013 |title=Saúde do Trabalhador |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Public safety and crime === [[File:38º Batalhão de Infantaria de Vila Velha ES visto do Convento da Penha.JPG|thumb|left|View of the 38th Infantry Battalion, a [[Brazilian Army]] unit in Vila Velha]] As in most medium and large Brazilian municipalities, crime remains a challenge in Vila Velha.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2011/06/noticias/especiais/889886-violencia-contra-mulher-em-vila-velha-continua-crescendo.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwbStHxv?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2011/06/noticias/especiais/889886-violencia-contra-mulher-em-vila-velha-continua-crescendo.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Violência contra mulher em Vila Velha continua crescendo |author=Paulo Rogério |date=June 28, 2011 |publisher=Gazeta Online |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the [[homicide]] rate was 60.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking ninth in the state and 79th nationally.<ref name="sangari.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.sangari.com/mapadaviolencia/tabelas2011/STN.xls |title=Número e taxas (em 100 mil) de suicídio nos municípios com 10.000 habitantes ou mais |author=Sangari |date=2011 |access-date=January 25, 2013 |format=xls |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wqdgmkkY?url=http://www.sangari.com/mapadaviolencia/tabelas2011/STN.xls |archive-date=2011-03-01 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[suicide]] rate was 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, placing it 38th in the state and 1,503rd nationally.<ref name="sangari.com"/> The death rate from traffic accidents was 8.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking 63rd in the state and 2,191st nationally.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sangari.com/mapadaviolencia/tabelas2011/TTN.xls |title=Número e taxas (em 100 mil) de Óbitos Ac.Transporte nos municípios com 10.000 habitantes ou mais |author=Sangari |date=2011 |access-date=January 25, 2013 |format=xls |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wqdiQILu?url=http://www.sangari.com/mapadaviolencia/tabelas2011/TTN.xls |archive-date=2011-03-01 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Vila Velha Municipal Security Council, established by municipal law 3,320 on July 23, 1997, and restructured on October 19, 2001, is tasked with proposing measures and activities to enhance municipal security. It comprises representatives (both primary and alternate) from various entities, including the Military Police, Civil Police, Municipal Civil Guard, Juvenile Court, Municipal Secretariat of Planning and Urban Development, the community, industry, and commerce.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leismunicipais.com.br/cgi-local/showinglaw.pl |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVepqxm?url=http://www.leismunicipais.com.br/cgi-local/showinglaw.pl |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Lei nº 3320, de 23 de julho de 1997 |author=Prefeitura |publisher=Leis Municipais |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Vila Velha's prison system has frequently faced issues such as riots and allegations of prisoner mistreatment,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.folhadoes.com/site/pagina_interna.asp?nID=21294 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dzmlr8YG?url=http://www.folhadoes.com/site/pagina_interna.asp?nID=21294 |archive-date=2013-01-27 |title=Tortura no presídio em Vila Velha |author=Folha do ES |date=January 13, 2013 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> with overcrowding being a primary cause. There have also been reports of deaths and escapes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.estadao.com.br/arquivo/cidades/2004/not20041127p16319.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzmnWFf2?url=http://www.estadao.com.br/arquivo/cidades/2004/not20041127p16319.htm |archive-date=2013-01-27 |title=Transferência de presos, rebelião e mortes em presídios do ES |author=Estadão.com |date=November 27, 2004 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/policia/noticia/2012/10/mais-de-50-detentos-fogem-de-presidios-capixabas-de-janeiro-a-setembro-de-2012.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzmoS8Xa?url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/policia/noticia/2012/10/mais-de-50-detentos-fogem-de-presidios-capixabas-de-janeiro-a-setembro-de-2012.html |archive-date=2013-01-27 |title=Mais de 50 detentos fogem de presídios capixabas de janeiro a setembro |author=Folha Vitória |date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The municipality's Judicial Police Department has been reported to the [[United Nations]] and the [[Organization of American States]] for violations of [[human rights]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oglobo.globo.com/pais/cnj-inspeciona-presidios-capixabas-denunciados-onu-a-oea-3012689 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzmrgnF3?url=http://oglobo.globo.com/pais/cnj-inspeciona-presidios-capixabas-denunciados-onu-a-oea-3012689 |archive-date=2013-01-28 |title=CNJ inspeciona presídios capixabas denunciados à ONU e à OEA |author=O Globo |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The city also hosts the Espírito Santo Apprentice Sailors School (EAMES), one of four Brazilian Navy Apprentice Schools, which serves as a pathway for recruitment into the [[Brazilian Navy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mar.mil.br/eames/site/blog.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwVdNHiz?url=https://www.mar.mil.br/eames/site/blog.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Escola de Aprendizes-Marinheiros do Espírito Santo |author=Escola de Aprendizes-Marinheiros do Espírito Santo (EAMES) |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Housing, services, and communication === [[File:-2016-11-05 ao 13- Vitória 91 Romerito Pontes (30903964011).jpg|thumb|right|Vila Velha seen from of the Penha Convent]] [[File:Canalização do Córrego Garanhuns, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|Drainage canal of the Garanhuns Stream]] In 2010, according to the IBGE, Vila Velha had 134,467 permanent private [[household]]s, including 90,499 [[house]]s, 1,321 [[apartment]]s, 41,676 houses in villages or condominiums, and 971 rooms or shanties. Of the total private households, 94,571 were owned properties, with 87,661 fully paid, 6,910 under acquisition, and 31,632 rented; 7,938 properties were provided, with 792 by employers and 7,146 provided otherwise. Another 326 were occupied in other forms. Most of the municipality has access to treated water, [[electricity]], [[sewage]], [[solid waste|urban cleaning]], [[landline telephone]] services, and [[mobile phone]] services. In 2010, 98.63% of households were served by the [[drinking water|general water supply network]]; 99.09% of residences had garbage collection (either through cleaning services or otherwise), and 98.94% of households had exclusive-use bathrooms.<ref name="IBGE_DomicípiosPop">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=result_univer_censo2010&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Censo Demográfico 2010: Características da População e dos Domicílios: Resultados do Universo |author=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731134759/http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=result_univer_censo2010&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Companhia Espírito Santense de Saneamento is responsible for sewage collection and water supply in Vila Velha, as well as much of Espírito Santo. According to the company, the entire urban area of the city has access to treated water,<ref name="Folha_Esgoto"/> with much of the water supply coming from the [[Jucu River]], which serves 60% of the population of Greater Vitória.<ref name="Prefeitura_Jucu"/> However, 52% of urban residents lack sewage collection and treatment networks in their homes.<ref name="Folha_Esgoto">{{cite web |url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/geral/noticia/2013/01/qualidade-de-vida-menos-da-metade-da-populacao-de-vila-velha-conta-com-redes-de-coleta-de-esgoto.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dwau5ahW?url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/geral/noticia/2013/01/qualidade-de-vida-menos-da-metade-da-populacao-de-vila-velha-conta-com-redes-de-coleta-de-esgoto.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Qualidade de vida: Menos da metade da população de Vila Velha conta com redes de coleta de esgoto |author=Camila Miranda |date=January 22, 2013 |publisher=Folha Vitória |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2012, half of Vila Velha's sewage was treated, while the other half was discharged directly into channels within the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eshoje.jor.br/vila-velha-tem-50-de-rede-de-esgoto-sanitario.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwavSXId?url=http://eshoje.jor.br/vila-velha-tem-50-de-rede-de-esgoto-sanitario.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Vila Velha tem 50% de rede de esgoto sanitário |author=Rachel Avelino |date=May 30, 2012 |publisher=ES Hoje |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the Companhia Espírito Santense de Saneamento, by January 2015, the entire city will have treated sewage with the inauguration of the Grande Terra Vermelha Sewage Treatment Plant.<ref name="Folha_Esgoto"/>
The Espírito Santo Centrais Elétricas S.A. is responsible for electricity supply in Vila Velha, serving 78 other municipalities in Greater Vitória and the state's interior.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escelsa.com.br/energia/empresa/area_concessao/area_concessao.asp |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwawyGnw?url=http://www.escelsa.com.br/energia/empresa/area_concessao/area_concessao.asp |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Área de concessão |author=Escelsa |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, 99.91% of the municipality's households were served by this service.<ref name="IBGE_DomicípiosPop"/> Dial-up and [[broadband]] ([[Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line|ADSL]]) [[internet]] services are offered by various free and paid [[Internet service provider]]s. Mobile phone services are provided by multiple operators, and some areas have [[wireless communication|wireless]] networks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abusar.org.br/prov_wireless.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/67WHxgZNQ?url=http://www.abusar.org.br/prov_wireless.html |archive-date=2012-05-09 |title=Provedores de Todo o Brasil |author=Associação Brasileira dos Usuários de Acesso Rápido |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Vila Velha's [[area code]] ([[direct distance dialing|DDD]]) is 027,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dddcidade.com.br/vila%20velha/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwaynbFV?url=http://dddcidade.com.br/vila%20velha/ |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=DDD |author=DDD Cidade |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and its [[postal code]] (CEP) ranges from 29100-001 to 29129-999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.correios.com.br/ |title=CEP de cidades brasileiras |author=[[Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos|Correios]] |access-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102031732/http://www.correios.com.br/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Several [[Very High Frequency|VHF]] and [[Ultra High Frequency|UHF]] television channels are available, with some major broadcasters affiliated in the city or the Vitória Metropolitan Region, such as [[TV Vitória]] (affiliated with [[RecordTV]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/tvvitoria/?secao=sinal&cidade=41 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwazuW9s?url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/tvvitoria/?secao=sinal&cidade=41 |archive-date=January 25, 2013 |title=Cobertura de Sinal |author=[[TV Vitória]] |access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref> TV Gazeta Vitória ([[TV Globo]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redetribuna.com.br/televisao/historico/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dwb1NjwX?url=http://www.redetribuna.com.br/televisao/historico/ |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Histórico |author=TV Gazeta Vitória |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and TV Tribuna (affiliated with [[Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão]]/SBT).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redetribuna.com.br/online/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dwb3LY5F?url=http://www.redetribuna.com.br/online/ |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Histórico |access-date=January 25, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Vila Velha also has several circulating [[newspaper]]s, including "A Gazeta," "A Tribuna," "ES Hoje," "Século Diário," and "A Crônica."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guiadejornais.com/jornais/espiritosanto.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DwaqTXWa?url=http://www.guiadejornais.com/jornais/espiritosanto.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Jornais do Espírito Santo |author=Guia de Jornais |access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref>
=== Transportation === ==== Air and water transportation ==== [[File:Embarcações na Prainha com a Terceira Ponte ao fundo, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|left|Boats at the Prainha]] The nearest [[airport]] to Vila Velha is currently the [[Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport]] (Goiabeiras Airport) in [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]], the largest in Espírito Santo, which operates national and international flights, though only national flights for passengers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infraero.gov.br/index.php/br/aeroportos/espirito-santo/aeroporto-de-vitoria-eurico-de-aguiar-salles-vitoria-es.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxSUIjJr?url=http://www.infraero.gov.br/index.php/br/aeroportos/espirito-santo/aeroporto-de-vitoria-eurico-de-aguiar-salles-vitoria-es.html |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Aeroporto de Vitória - Eurico de Aguiar Salles |author=[[Infraero]] |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 2010, plans have been underway to construct a cargo airport in Vila Velha's rural area near Xury, close to the border with [[Guarapari]]. The runway for this cargo terminal would be 2,850 meters long, capable of handling national and international flights.<ref name="Sindopes_Investimento">{{cite web |url=http://www.sindicopes.com.br/index.php?id=/noticias/materia.php&cd_matia=2079 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxSWjyDr?url=http://www.sindicopes.com.br/index.php?id=/noticias/materia.php&cd_matia=2079 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |title=Aeroporto em Vila Velha prevê investimento de R$ 59 milhões |author=Gazeta Online |date=July 11, 2010 |publisher=Sindicato da Indústria da Construção Pesada do Espírito Santo (Sindopes) |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref> Currently, the Espírito Santo Flying Club, one of Brazil's oldest flying clubs, operates in Vila Velha, offering theoretical and practical courses and leisure activities such as scenic flights over Greater Vitória, gliding, and parachuting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aeroclube-es.com.br/pagina-exemplo/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzTQqAGM?url=http://www.aeroclube-es.com.br/pagina-exemplo/ |archive-date=2013-01-27 |title=Nossa História |author=Aeroclube do Espírito Santo | work=Aeroclube do Espirito Santo | date=24 September 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Water transportation in the municipality is limited to activities at the Vila Velha Port Terminal, one of the busiest on the Brazilian coast,<ref name="Prefeitura_Sustentável"/> and fishing activities. According to 2012 city hall data, there were approximately 1,000 fishermen and 548 registered vessels. Fishing boat activity is most intense at the beaches of Ribeiro, Costa, Itapoã, Itaparica, Barra do Jucu, Ponta da Fruta, and Prainha, with most vessels powered by diesel or electric motors.<ref name="Prefeitura_Pesca"/> Prainha also hosts the Prainha Water Terminal, used as a dock for fishing boats.<ref name="Vila_Aquaviário"/>
==== Rail and metro transportation ==== The first railway to reach Vila Velha was the "Coastal Line" of the [[Leopoldina Railway]],<ref>{{cite web |title=EFL-Linha do Litoral-- Estações Ferroviárias do Rio de Janeiro |url=https://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efl_rj_litoral/efl_linha_litoral.htm |website=www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929004845/https://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efl_rj_litoral/efl_linha_litoral.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> connecting Vitória to [[Niterói]] in the [[Greater Rio de Janeiro|Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region]]. The city's station was inaugurated on July 13, 1895, and served as a passenger terminal until the 1980s. Since then, the railway has been used solely for freight trains and has been managed by the [[Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica]] since 1996.<ref name="Estações">{{cite web |url=http://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efl_rj_litoral/vitoria.htm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dxom5udd?url=http://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efl_rj_litoral/vitoria.htm |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Vitória |author=Estações Ferroviárias do Brasil |date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Another significant railway in the city is the [[Vitória-Minas Railway]], linking Vitória to [[Belo Horizonte]], the capital of [[Minas Gerais]]. The former São Carlos Station, later renamed Pedro Nolasco Station, located opposite the Vitória Bay, was originally opened on May 20, 1905, and renovated and reinaugurated on November 19, 1927, with its current [[eclectic architecture]] building.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pedro Nolasco -- Estações Ferroviárias do Estado do Espírito Santo |url=https://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efvm/pedro.htm |website=www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913145457/http://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efvm/pedro.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The station served as a passenger terminal until the 1960s, after which its functions were transferred to a temporary, simplified station and later to a new building in [[Cariacica]], approximately 1 km from Vila Velha.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d1H9lsaGSMQC&q=+esta%C3%A7ao+pedro+nolasco+terminal+de+passageiros&pg=PA128 |title=A E.F. Vitória a Minas e suas locomotivas desde 1904: A história e as locomotivas a vapor |last1=Coelho |first1=Eduardo José de Jesus |last2=Setti |first2=João Bosco |date=2000 |publisher=Memória do Trem |isbn=978-85-86094-01-9 |language=pt |trans-title=The Vitória-Minas Railway and its locomotives since 1904: The history and steam locomotives}}</ref> Since 1942, the railway has been managed by the [[Vale S.A.|Companhia Vale do Rio Doce]] and is currently the only railway in Brazil to operate daily long-distance passenger transport.<ref>{{cite web |title=Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas completa 111 anos sobre os trilhos |url=http://www.vale.com/brasil/PT/aboutvale/news/Paginas/estrada-ferro-vitoria-minas-completa-111-anos-sobre-trilhos.aspx |website=www.vale.com |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720171817/http://www.vale.com/brasil/PT/aboutvale/news/Paginas/estrada-ferro-vitoria-minas-completa-111-anos-sobre-trilhos.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The former Pedro Nolasco Station building in Vila Velha was designated a Historical and Cultural Heritage site by the State Culture Council in 1986 and housed the Vale Museum from 1998 to 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Museu Vale |url=https://museuvale.org/pt/ |access-date=July 20, 2020 |website=museuvale.com |language=pt-br}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Área do antigo Museu Vale vai reabrir como novo ponto cultural em Vila Velha |url=https://www.agazeta.com.br/es/cotidiano/area-do-antigo-museu-vale-vai-reabrir-como-novo-ponto-cultural-em-vila-velha-0525 |author=João Barbosa |date=May 8, 2025 |access-date=March 5, 2026 |website=A Gazeta |language=pt-br}}</ref>
As in much of Brazil, the rise of road and air transportation contributed to the decline of railways, particularly in the first half of the 1990s.<ref name="Estações"/> However, plans are in place for the construction of the South Coast Railway,<ref name="Sindopes_Investimento"/> which will connect Vitória and Vila Velha to [[Campos dos Goytacazes]] and the city of Rio de Janeiro, facilitating the transport of goods from various parts of the country to Espírito Santo's port terminals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibram.org.br/150/15001002.asp?ttCD_CHAVE=171481 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dxon9Idn?url=http://www.ibram.org.br/150/15001002.asp?ttCD_CHAVE=171481 |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Estado começa a preparar terreno para receber Ferrovia Vitória-Rio |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Mineração (IBM) |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Another project involving rail transport in Vila Velha is the establishment of a [[light rail]] system, which would serve not only the municipality but also the entire Greater Vitória area, addressing the region's urban mobility challenges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://g1.globo.com/espirito-santo/eleicoes/2012/noticia/2012/08/alan-claudio-psol-propoe-discutir-metro-de-superficie-em-vila-velha.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxooWPsX?url=http://g1.globo.com/espirito-santo/eleicoes/2012/noticia/2012/08/alan-claudio-psol-propoe-discutir-metro-de-superficie-em-vila-velha.html |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Alan Claudio (Psol) propõe discutir metrô de superfície em Vila Velha |author=Leandro Nossa |date=August 27, 2012 |publisher=G1 ES |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Road transportation ==== [[File:Vista parcial da Terceira Ponte a partir do Convento da Penha, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|View of the [[Third Bridge]], the main connection between Vila Velha and [[Vitória, Espírito Santo|Vitória]]]] Vila Velha has a well-developed road network connecting it to various cities in the state's interior and major metropolitan areas in the [[Southeast Region, Brazil|Southeast region of Brazil]]. The first connection to Vitória was the Florentino Avidos Bridge, built in the 1920s,<ref name="Prefeitura_História" /> but the [[Third Bridge]], inaugurated in 1989,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2009/04/81302-terminal+itaparica+ganha+mais+uma+linha+nesta+quarta+feira.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxtCtQLE?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2009/04/81302-terminal+itaparica+ganha+mais+uma+linha+nesta+quarta+feira.html |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Terminal Itaparica ganha mais uma linha nesta quarta-feira |author=Gazeta Online |date=April 28, 2009 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> is now the primary access to the capital. It is managed by the Rodovia do Sol (ES-060), also known as Rodossol, which connects Vila Velha to cities along the state's southern coast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rodosol.com.br/secoes/rds_rodosol.php?m=1 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxtE2q9p?url=http://www.rodosol.com.br/secoes/rds_rodosol.php?m=1 |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Quem somos |author=Rodovia do Sol |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Other significant roads include the Darly Santos Highway, connecting the municipality to [[Cariacica]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-urbano-rodovia-darly-santos-e-vale-encantado |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxtFdUwU?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-urbano-rodovia-darly-santos-e-vale-encantado |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Rodovia Darly Santos e Vale Encantado |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> the [[BR-101 (Brazil highway)|BR-101]], providing direct access to cities in [[South Region, Brazil|Southern]], Southeastern, and [[Northeast Region, Brazil|Northeastern]] Brazil;<ref name="Sindopes_Investimento"/> the ES-388, linking the urban area to the BR-101 and rural neighborhoods;<ref name="Sindopes_Investimento"/> and the Carlos Lindemberg Highway, starting in the Glória region and serving as another access route to Vitória, the metropolitan region, and the [[BR-262 (Brazil highway)|BR-262]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/economia/blogs/mobilidadeurbana/2012/09/12/obras-prometem-encurtar-distancias-e-melhorar-o-fluxo-de-veiculos-entre-as-cidades-da-regiao-metropolitana/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxtHS3oR?url=http://www.folhavitoria.com.br/economia/blogs/mobilidadeurbana/2012/09/12/obras-prometem-encurtar-distancias-e-melhorar-o-fluxo-de-veiculos-entre-as-cidades-da-regiao-metropolitana/ |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Obras prometem encurtar distâncias e melhorar o fluxo de veículos entre as cidades da Região Metropolitana |author=Folha Vitória |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The Vila Velha Bus Terminal, officially named Darly Santos Bus Station, is located in the Itaparica neighborhood and is one of the largest in the state. It offers routes to destinations along Espírito Santo's southern coast, [[Rio de Janeiro (city)|Rio de Janeiro]], [[São Paulo (city)|São Paulo]], [[Belo Horizonte]], and other major cities in Espírito Santo and neighboring states. The terminal was inaugurated on July 4, 2012, replacing the former station in the Coqueiral de Itaparica neighborhood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-urbano-nova-rodoviaria |title=Desenvolvimento Urbano e Mobilidade - Nova Rodoviária |author=Prefeitura Municipal de Vila Velha |access-date=March 24, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402213551/http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/desenvolvimento-urbano-nova-rodoviaria |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/nova-rodoviaria-ja-e-realidade-em-vila-velha-2468 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxtKXlR2?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/nova-rodoviaria-ja-e-realidade-em-vila-velha-2468 |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Nova rodoviária já é realidade em Vila Velha |author=Georgia Gonçalves e Leonardo Nunes |date=July 4, 2012 |publisher=Prefeitura |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Urban transportation ==== [[File:Rodovia do Sol - Barra do Jucu.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Rodovia do Sol'' (Sun Highway) in Vila Velha]] The Municipal Transportation and Traffic Secretariat oversees the control and maintenance of the municipality's traffic, including monitoring public roads, driver and pedestrian behavior, developing traffic engineering projects, paving, constructing road infrastructure, and managing services such as taxis, alternative transport, buses, chartered vehicles, and school transport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/transporte-e-transito-quem-somos |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxuZpu1y?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/transporte-e-transito-quem-somos |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Quem somos |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The city has two types of urban transportation: municipal, operated by the Sanremo company, which connects the main neighborhoods within the municipality, and the Transcol System, which links Vila Velha to five other municipalities in [[Greater Vitória]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.es.gov.br/Noticias/171901/linha-do-transcol-que-vai-ate-o-trevo-de-setiba-comeca-a-operar-neste-domingo-28.htm |title=Linha do Transcol que vai até o trevo de Setiba começa a operar neste domingo (28) |date=September 26, 2014 |access-date=March 24, 2015 |publisher=Portal do Governo do Estado do Espírito Santo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capixabao.com/noticia/3245/especiais/greve-populacao-da-grande-vitoria-fica-a-pe/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxubAwJw?url=http://www.capixabao.com/noticia/3245/especiais/greve-populacao-da-grande-vitoria-fica-a-pe/ |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Greve de ônibus: População da Grande Vitória fica a pé |author=Capixabão |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2010, the municipal vehicle fleet consisted of 157,667 vehicles, including 99,911 automobiles, 3,853 trucks, 964 truck tractors, 9,339 pickups, 5,746 vans, 701 minibuses, 24,981 motorcycles, 5,305 mopeds, 786 buses, 128 wheeled tractors, 1,227 utility vehicles, and 4,726 other vehicle types.<ref name="IBGE_Frota">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/xtras/csv.php?tabela=frota&codmun=320520&nomemun=Vila%20Velha |title=Frota 2010 |publisher=Cidades@ - IBGE |date=2010 |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref> Duplicated and paved avenues and numerous traffic lights facilitate city traffic, but the increase in the number of vehicles over the past decade has led to increasingly slow traffic, particularly in areas accessing the [[Third Bridge]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2012/08/a_gazeta/minuto_a_minuto/1341220-tres-veiculos-com-defeitos-complicam-transito-na-terceira-ponte.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxueCbJy?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2012/08/a_gazeta/minuto_a_minuto/1341220-tres-veiculos-com-defeitos-complicam-transito-na-terceira-ponte.html |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Trânsito na Terceira Ponte fica congestionado após três veículos apresentarem defeito |author=Gazeta Online |date=August 10, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
To alleviate congestion, the city hall has invested in projects such as the "bicycle network," creating a cycling ring around the city, connecting the entire Vila Velha waterfront to the city center with over 32 km of [[Bike path|bike paths]]. This reduces the flow of cyclists and pedestrians on some of the city's main avenues.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/transporte-e-transito-ciclovias |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DxuvUpIE?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/transporte-e-transito-ciclovias |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Ciclovias |author=Prefeitura |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Culture == [[File:Casa da Memória de Vila Velha Espírito Santo 2019-3464.jpg|thumb|right|House of Memory of Vila Velha Museum]] [[File:Museu Homero Massena Vila Velha Espírito Santo 2019-3468.jpg|thumb|right|Homero Massena Museum]] The cultural sector of Vila Velha is overseen by the municipal Secretariat of Culture and Tourism, which aims to promote tourism in the city and to plan and implement the municipality's cultural policies through the development of programs, projects, and activities that foster cultural development and social inclusion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-quem-somos |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DyMK4jGy?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-quem-somos |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Secretaria de Cultura e Turismo - Quem Somos |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=26 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Secretariat of Sports and Leisure also manages specific aspects of Vila Velha's cultural landscape, such as leisure activities and sports practices. It supports and encourages sports in Vila Velha and develops and executes initiatives dedicated to this sector.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/esportes-e-lazer-quem-somos |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DyMLoUBa?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/esportes-e-lazer-quem-somos |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Secretaria de Esportes e Lazer - Quem somos |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=26 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The establishment of the Vila Velha Culture and Art Law (Law 4,573, enacted on 13 November 2007) provided tax incentives for cultural projects that promote artistic and cultural expressions in the city and strengthen the processes and structures of creative production. According to the municipality, from 2009 to 2012, approximately 200 projects benefited from this law, including book and CD launches, the production of documentaries, theater plays, and films, as well as activities related to crafts and visual arts, among others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-lei-vila-velha-cultura-e-arte |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DyMqAhUz?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-lei-vila-velha-cultura-e-arte |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Lei Vila Velha Cultura e Arte |author=Prefeitura |date=26 January 2013 |accessdate=26 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Notable figures === Vila Velha is the birthplace of several artists who have achieved national or international recognition. These include model [[Débora Lyra]], who was crowned [[Miss Minas Gerais]] 2010, [[Miss Brasil 2010]] representing Minas Gerais, and [[Top Model of the World]] 2009 representing Brazil;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2010/05/635406-capixaba+ganha+titulo+de+miss+brasil+para+minas.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz8pQPpg?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2010/05/635406-capixaba+ganha+titulo+de+miss+brasil+para+minas.html |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Capixaba ganha título de Miss Brasil para Minas |author=Gazeta Online |date=9 May 2010 |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> actor and singer [[Chay Suede]], one of the six protagonists of the telenovela [[Rebelde (Brazilian TV series)|Rebelde]], which led to the formation of the band [[Rebeldes]] (of which he was also a member), receiving awards such as the Capricho Awards in 2011<ref>{{cite web |url=http://capricho.abril.com.br/awards/2011/lua-blanco-banda-rebeldes-sao-grandes-vencedores-capricho-awards-2011-651365.shtml |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz8s7EQt?url=http://capricho.abril.com.br/awards/2011/lua-blanco-banda-rebeldes-sao-grandes-vencedores-capricho-awards-2011-651365.shtml |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Lua Blanco e banda Rebeldes são as grandes vencedores do CAPRICHO Awards 2011 |author=Aline Vieira |date=15 December 2011 |publisher=[[Capricho]] |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://capricho.abril.com.br/awards/2012/musica.shtml |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz8uEGHY?url=http://capricho.abril.com.br/awards/2012/musica.shtml |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Capricho Awards 2012 |author=[[Capricho]] |date=2012 |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the 2012 Brazilian Youth Award,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://capricho.abril.com.br/blogs/play/rebeldes-nx-zero-e-manu-gavassi-brilham-no-11o-premio-jovem-brasileiro-veja-lista-de-vencedores/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz8wnvKs?url=http://capricho.abril.com.br/blogs/play/rebeldes-nx-zero-e-manu-gavassi-brilham-no-11o-premio-jovem-brasileiro-veja-lista-de-vencedores/ |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Rebeldes, NX Zero e Manu Gavassi brilham no 11º Prêmio Jovem Brasileiro. Veja lista de vencedores! |author=Bruno Dias |date=2 October 2012 |publisher=[[Capricho]] |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and currently performing as a solo singer;<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=9 June 2013 |title=Chay Suede estreia como cantor solo em grande show em São Paulo |url=http://rd1.ig.com.br/famosos/chay-suede-estreia-como-cantor-solo-em-grande-show-em-sao-paulo/184572 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6HxoKQqws?url=http://rd1.ig.com.br/famosos/chay-suede-estreia-como-cantor-solo-em-grande-show-em-sao-paulo/184572 |archivedate=2013-07-08 |accessdate=8 July 2013}}</ref> and singer, songwriter, presenter, actress, and voice actress [[Jullie]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ligacaoteen.com/talentos/24812/24812/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz8yauxx?url=http://www.ligacaoteen.com/talentos/24812/24812/ |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Batendo um papo com a Jullie |author=Lucas Perroni |date=12 August 2011 |publisher=Ligação Teen |accessdate=27 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Several notable bands also originated in the city. The [[reggae]] band "Salvação" was founded in March 1996, and its debut album, "Altas Ondas Astrais," released in January 1999, sold over 15,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surforeggae.com.br/noticias.asp?id=82&Tipo=Noticia&pag=4 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz94G9a8?url=http://www.surforeggae.com.br/noticias.asp?id=82&Tipo=Noticia&pag=4 |archivedate=27 January 2013 |title=Saiba mais sobre a banda Salvação! |author=Surforeggae |date=11 December 2001 |accessdate=27 January 2013 }}</ref> Casaca blends [[pop rock]], [[Rock music|rock]], and reggae, originating in Barra do Jucu. Their first CD sold over 55,000 copies across Brazil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Casaca.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz95suZw?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Casaca.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Banda Casaca |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mukeka di Rato, formed in 1995 in the genres of [[punk rock]] and [[hardcore punk]], has performed at international festivals in countries such as Japan, the United States, and Sweden, and won an edition of the [[MTV Video Music Brasil|VMB]] award from [[MTV Brasil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Mukeka%20di%20Rato.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz970lVu?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Mukeka%20di%20Rato.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Mukeka di Rato |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Macucos, also in the reggae genre, were formed in 1999 but gained national prominence after 2002, when they were noticed by music producer [[Liminha (musician)|Liminha]], who helped them secure a contract with [[Sony Music Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.culturabrasil.com.br/programas/reggae-de-bamba/reggae-capixaba-2 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz98PHY7?url=http://www.culturabrasil.com.br/programas/reggae-de-bamba/reggae-capixaba-2 |archivedate=January 27, 2013 |title=Reggae Capixaba |author=Cultura Brasil |date=27 August 2012 |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rastaclone has been active since 1997, performing in reggae and rock styles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Rastaclone.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz9ARbR2?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Rastaclone.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Rastaclone |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the gospel music scene, the [[alternative metal]] band Polyphone stands out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Polyphone.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Dz9BqDEw?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/Bandas%20Capixabas%20Polyphone.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Polyphone |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Performing arts and events === [[File:Entrada pela prainha.jpg|thumb|left|Presentation of a ''congo'' band, 2019.]]
Theater has been a part of Vila Velha since the colonial period. Historical records indicate that plays written by [[Jesuits]] were performed in the late 16th century, such as the staging of "Na Visitação de Santa Izabel" (1597), authored by Father [[Joseph of Anchieta]]. Street theater was common during that era and regained significant popularity in Vila Velha throughout the 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/artigos/Artigo%20Vila%20Velha%2006.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0Zlfrvs?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/artigos/Artigo%20Vila%20Velha%2006.htm |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=O Teatro em Vila Velha |author=Maria da Glória de Freitas Duarte |date=1990 |publisher=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Today, the city boasts several venues dedicated to cultural events in theater and music. The Élio Vianna Municipal Theater, originally the municipal headquarters designed in 1960 by architect Élio Vianna, was converted into a theater in 1992 and now has a capacity of over 300 people, including 10 private boxes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-teatro-municipal-de-vila-velha |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mHPTbn?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-teatro-municipal-de-vila-velha |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Teatro Municipal de Vila Velha |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Marista School Theater has a capacity of 480 people and is part of a sports and cultural complex that includes a gymnasium, a hall, and covered courts.<ref name="Teatro_Infantil">{{cite web |url=http://www.festivaldeteatroinfantil.com.br/pg/1019/14-festival-teat-inf-teatros/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0Zn8EQC?url=http://www.festivaldeteatroinfantil.com.br/pg/1019/14-festival-teat-inf-teatros/ |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=14º Festival Teat. Inf. » Teatros |author=Festival de Teatro Infantil |date=2011 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The city also hosts several theater festivals. One of the most prominent is the Children's Theater Festival, held annually since 1999. Various children's plays are performed by theater companies from across Espírito Santo and Brazil, with actors engaging interactively with the audience, primarily children. Although the festival is centered in Vila Velha, some performances also take place in Vitória.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=27 August 2011 |title=13º Festival de Teatro Infantil traz companhias nacionais ao ES |url=http://g1.globo.com/espirito-santo/noticia/2011/08/13-festival-de-teatro-infantil-traz-companhias-nacionais-ao-es.html |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0ZrVh1O?url=http://g1.globo.com/espirito-santo/noticia/2011/08/13-festival-de-teatro-infantil-traz-companhias-nacionais-ao-es.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |website=G1 ES}}</ref> The 2011 edition attracted 25,926 attendees and featured 72 theater sessions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festivaldeteatroinfantil.com.br/pg/7870/14-festival-teat-inf-retrospectiva-2011/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0ZsNpD5?url=http://www.festivaldeteatroinfantil.com.br/pg/7870/14-festival-teat-inf-retrospectiva-2011/ |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Retrospectiva » 2011 |author=Festival de Teatro Infantil |date=2011 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, the Dance Festival, organized by the Marista School Theater since 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sites.marista.edu.br/teatrovilavelha/2012/06/21/festival-de-danca-no-teatro-marista/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0ZuOqlF?url=http://sites.marista.edu.br/teatrovilavelha/2012/06/21/festival-de-danca-no-teatro-marista/ |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Festival de Dança no Teatro Marista |author=Teatro Marista de Vila Velha |date=22 May 2012 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Art Everywhere Week, also held by the Marista Theater since 2011, feature parades, theatrical performances, musicals, and dance shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sites.marista.edu.br/teatrovilavelha/2012/06/15/teatro-marista-sera-palco-de-atracoes-da-ii-semana-arte-por-toda-parte/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0Zx0E9N?url=http://sites.marista.edu.br/teatrovilavelha/2012/06/15/teatro-marista-sera-palco-de-atracoes-da-ii-semana-arte-por-toda-parte/ |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Teatro Marista será palco de atrações da II Semana Arte Por Toda Parte |author=Teatro Marista de Vila Velha |date=17 June 2012 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Experimental Amateur Theater Group (Geta), in partnership with the Municipal Secretariat of Culture, periodically organizes theater projects with free acting workshops offered to the public.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=14 January 2013 |title=Curso de teatro abre inscrições gratuitas em Vila Velha, no ES |url=http://m.g1.globo.com/espirito-santo/noticia/2013/01/curso-de-teatro-abre-inscricoes-gratuitas-em-vila-velha-no-es.html |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0ZyWRpN?url=http://m.g1.globo.com/espirito-santo/noticia/2013/01/curso-de-teatro-abre-inscricoes-gratuitas-em-vila-velha-no-es.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |website=G1 ES}}</ref>
In addition to theatrical events, Vila Velha hosts other significant cultural celebrations, including the [[Carnival]] of Vila Velha, featuring parades by various samba schools and live performances;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-carnaval |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mJD0lZ?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-carnaval |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Carnaval |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> the Feast of Penha, honoring [[Our Lady of Peñafrancia]], established by Friar Pedro Palácios and considered the third largest religious festival in Brazil, attracting thousands of Catholics and tourists for processions, pilgrimages, and religious performances in the city streets and at the [[Penha Convent]];<ref name="Prefeitura_Penha">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-festa-da-penha |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mKqDa2?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-festa-da-penha |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Festa da Penha |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> the city's anniversary, celebrated with concerts and civic parades, officially on 23 May, though festivities span a week;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-festa-da-cidade |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mMtSPQ?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-festa-da-cidade |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Aniversário da cidade |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> the Chocolate Festival, held since 2009, showcasing the works and creations of [[Chocolates Garoto]], one of the largest events of its kind in Brazil, attracting up to 180,000 visitors in some editions and selling around 800 kilograms of chocolate;<ref name="Prefeitura_Chocolate">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-festival-do-chocolate |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mP7tvE?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-festival-do-chocolate |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Festival do Chocolate |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Vila Velha Summer, integrated with the Independent Bands Festival, a series of events featuring cultural workshops, craft exhibitions, and performances by regional bands to promote their work;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-vila-velha-verao |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mRBQA2?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-vila-velha-verao |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Vila Velha Verão |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[New Year's Eve]], featuring performances by regional or nationally known artists and fireworks displays at various points in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-reveillon |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mV57tI?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/cultura-e-turismo-reveillon |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Réveillon |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the gospel scene, the Jesus Vida Verão stands out, featuring performances by various evangelical artists, both regional and nationally recognized, held annually since 1992.<ref name="VidaVerão">{{cite web |url=http://eshoje.jor.br/comeca-o-jesus-vida-verao-confira-a-programacao-e-veja-como-fica-o-transito-em-vila-velha.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0mb16dG?url=http://eshoje.jor.br/comeca-o-jesus-vida-verao-confira-a-programacao-e-veja-como-fica-o-transito-em-vila-velha.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Começa o Jesus Vida Verão. Confira a programação e veja como fica o trânsito em Vila Velha |author=Lívia Meneghel |date=9 January 2013 |publisher=ES Hoje |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Attractions === ==== Historical heritage and architectural landmarks ==== [[File:Convento da Penha e Terceira Ponte com Mar e Vitória ao fundo.jpg|thumb|right|View of the Penha Convent with the Third Bridge in the background]] Vila Velha is home to a wide array of attractions with significant architectural and historical value. The most prominent is the [[Penha Convent]], perched atop a 154-meter-high cliff, one of the oldest churches in Espírito Santo, with construction beginning around 1558 under the direction of Friar Pedro Palácios.<ref name="Prefeitura_História" /> It was designated a cultural heritage site by the [[National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage]] (Iphan) in 1943. Much of the interior is clad in [[Cedrus|cedar]] wood, carved by Portuguese sculptor José Fernandes Pereira between 1874 and 1879. The [[high altar]], now comprising over 200 pieces made from 19 different types of [[marble]], was built around 1800 in the [[Rococo]] style, undergoing restorations in 1910 and again between January 2009 and 17 December 2011.<ref name="Convento_Convento">{{cite web |url=http://conventodapenha.org.br/conhecendo-o-convento |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzS60aNJ?url=http://conventodapenha.org.br/conhecendo-o-convento |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Conhecendo o convento |author=Franciscanos |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The convent complex spans an area of 632,226 square meters, encompassing various monuments and attractions,<ref name="Convento_Convento"/> such as the Friar Pedro Palácios Grotto, a natural cavity in the cliff where the convent stands, believed by some historians to have been the friar's first residence.<ref name="Convento_Convento"/> In 1562, he built a chapel dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, now located in the area known as the convent square (Campinho). In the late 20th century, a museum and a shop selling food and small gifts were added. From the convent, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Vila Velha, Vitória, and, in the distance, the Atlantic Ocean.<ref name="Convento_Convento"/> [[File:VitorJubini FaroldeSantaLuzia VilaVelha ES.jpg|thumb|left|Santa Luzia Lighthouse]]
Beyond the convent, several other attractions stand out in the city. The Prainha Historical Site is a complex that combines historical landmarks with new constructions built on reclaimed land. It includes the 38th Infantry Battalion, the Espírito Santo Apprentice Sailors School, the [[Fort of São Francisco Xavier de Piratininga]], the Homero Massena Museum, the [[Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Vila Velha)|Church of Our Lady of the Rosary]], the obelisk to [[Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo|Vasco Fernandes Coutinho]], the Flag Square, and the [[Memory House Museum]], which houses valuable documents related to the municipality's colonization.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.turismocapixaba.com.br/sitio-historico-da-prainha#.UQVxqB217Ss |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzS76fHm?url=http://www.turismocapixaba.com.br/sitio-historico-da-prainha#.UQVxqB217Ss |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Sítio Histórico da Prainha |author=Turismo Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Divine Holy Spirit Sanctuary, built in 1956 by Dom José Joaquim Gonçalves and inaugurated on 21 April 1967, is considered one of the largest of its kind in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.santuariovilavelha.org.br/site/?navega=santuario |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzS9Havm?url=http://www.santuariovilavelha.org.br/site/?navega=santuario |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=História do Santuário |author=Santuário Divino Espírito Santo |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Madalena Bridge, constructed in 1896, connects the Jacarenema reserve to Barra do Jucu Beach. It is named after the Barra do Jucu Congo Band, made famous by the song "Madalena do Jucu" by [[Martinho da Vila]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portalturismobrasil.com.br/atracao/707/Ponte-da-Madalena |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzSAMyws?url=http://www.portalturismobrasil.com.br/atracao/707/Ponte-da-Madalena |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Ponte da Madalena |author=Portal Brasil Turismo |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Vale Museum, originally the Pedro Nolasco Station built in 1927, now houses a collection featuring a historic [[steam locomotive]], a wooden carriage, a trolley, a telegraph, photographs, and more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mundi.com.br/Ponto-Turistico-Museu-Ferroviario-Vila-Velha-284113.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzSIk5A0?url=http://www.mundi.com.br/Ponto-Turistico-Museu-Ferroviario-Vila-Velha-284113.html |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Museu Ferroviário |author=Mundi |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Santa Luzia Lighthouse, built in 1870, stands at the end of Praia da Costa. It measures 12 meters in height with a 9-square-meter base, and its 3,000-watt light reaches 17 [[nautical miles]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/category/patrimonio-historico/farol-santa-luzia/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzSJoETc?url=http://www.visitevilavelha.com.br/category/patrimonio-historico/farol-santa-luzia/ |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Visite Farol de Santa Luzia |author=Visite Vila Velha |date=24 February 2011 |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Beaches ==== Vila Velha boasts over 30 kilometers of coastline, with the municipality's main beaches being:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/praias.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDZppEz?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/praias.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praias |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Webysther 20131026163305 - Praia da costa.jpg|thumb|right|Costa Beach]] [[File:Calçadão da Praia de Itapoã, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|Itapoã Beach]] * Barra do Jucu: A small resort located 15 kilometers from downtown Vila Velha, this former fishing village retains its village character. Situated near the mouth of the [[Jucu River]], it attracts visitors in the late afternoon to witness the flight of [[Heron|herons]]. The area features numerous beaches, popular among surfers and sports enthusiasts, and hosts [[surfing]] championships, some at the national level.<ref name="Vila_Jucu">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/barra.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDb1t9f?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/barra.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praia da Barra do Jucu |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia da Barrinha: Located on the left bank of the Jucu River's mouth, 12 km from downtown Vila Velha, access is via the Madalena Bridge, built in 1896. The river mouth is a hub for fishing activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/barrinha.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDcHvXH?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/barrinha.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praia da Barrinha |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia da Concha: A 70-meter stretch of sand behind Concha Hill, also near the Jucu River's mouth, it is primarily used for diving due to minimal wave activity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/concha.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDddM0H?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/concha.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praia da Concha |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia da Costa: Considered the city's busiest beach and one of the most well-known in Espírito Santo, it is surrounded by high-end buildings, numerous restaurants, and hotels. Located less than three kilometers from downtown Vila Velha, it features a lighting system that allows for nighttime swimming and sports.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/costa.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDeiISd?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/costa.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praia da Costa |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia de Itaparica: Adjacent to Praia da Costa, it is considered an extension of it but with waves more suitable for surfing. It also features a higher concentration of bars and kiosks along its boardwalk.<ref name="Vila_Itaparica">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/itaparica.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDgqa30?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/itaparica.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praia de Itaparica |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia de Itapoã: Another extension of Praia da Costa, it is closely monitored from May to September during the breeding season of yellow-billed and red-billed [[Tern|terns]], species native to the area. Boats for tours are also available.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/itapua.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDhr2q7?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/itapua.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Itapoã |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia de Piratininga: Located near the 38th Infantry Battalion of the [[Brazilian Army]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/piratininga.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDk4UTw?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/piratininga.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Piratininga |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Ponta da Fruta Resort: Comprising beaches, freshwater lagoons, and restaurants, it is located near the border with [[Guarapari]]. Originally a fishing village, it is now dominated by guesthouses and camping areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/pfruta.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDl8pzB?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/pfruta.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Ponta da Fruta |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Prainha: Situated between the 38th Infantry Battalion and the Espírito Santo Apprentice Sailors School, it is the site where Vila Velha's founding was declared in 1535. It houses a waterway terminal, widely used as a dock for fishing boats.<ref name="Vila_Aquaviário">{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/prainha.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDmGXOA?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/prainha.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Prainha |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Praia do Ribeiro: A 200-meter stretch of sand between Morro do Moreno and the Santa Luzia Lighthouse, it was the residence of Portuguese nobleman [[Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo|Vasco Fernandes Coutinho]], the first grantee of the [[Captaincy of Espírito Santo]]. It is used for walks but is not recommended for swimming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/ribeiro.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DzDnViLx?url=http://www.vilacapixaba.com/vilavelha/ribeiro.htm |archivedate=2013-01-27 |title=Praia do Ribeiro |author=Vila Capixaba |accessdate=27 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Sports === [[File:Praça Antenor Fassarela, Vila Velha ES.JPG|thumb|right|Sports area and playground in the Paul]] [[File:Panorama Estádio Gil Bernardes.jpg|thumb|right|View of the Gil Bernardes da Silveira Stadium]] The city is home to several sports clubs, most of which have regional or, at most, state-level prominence. The main ones are the [[Vilavelhense Futebol Clube]], founded on 26 August 2002;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelhense.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=27 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E19lK71t?url=http://www.vilavelhense.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=27 |archivedate=28 January 2013 |title=História |author=Vilavelhense Futebol Clube |accessdate=28 January 2013 }}</ref> the [[Esporte Clube Tupy]], one of the oldest in the municipality, founded in October 1938 and officially professionalized in 1988;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ectupy.com.br/clube.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E19n5gGZ?url=http://www.ectupy.com.br/clube.html |archivedate=28 January 2013 |title=Clube |author=Esporte Clube Tupy |accessdate=28 January 2013 }}</ref> and the women's football team Vila Nova Futebol Clube, founded in 2007 and the first champion of the [[Campeonato Capixaba de Futebol Feminino|Espírito Santo Women's Football Championship]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2010/08/659943-vila+nova+e+o+campeao+do+1+estadual+de+futebol+feminino.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E19nuH1X?url=http://gazetaonline.globo.com/_conteudo/2010/08/659943-vila+nova+e+o+campeao+do+1+estadual+de+futebol+feminino.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Vila Nova é o campeão do 1º Estadual de Futebol Feminino |author=Gazeta Online |date=10 August 2010 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The city's main football stadiums are the Gil Bernardes da Silveira Stadium, home to Tupy, inaugurated in 1938 with a capacity for over 1,000 people;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/es/futebol/capixaba-serie-b/noticia/2012/05/gil-bernardes-e-liberado-e-tupy-es-quer-dia-de-festa-contra-o-castelo.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E19pEi8P?url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/es/futebol/capixaba-serie-b/noticia/2012/05/gil-bernardes-e-liberado-e-tupy-es-quer-dia-de-festa-contra-o-castelo.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Gil Bernardes é liberado e Tupy-ES quer dia de festa contra o Castelo |author=Richard Pinheiro |date=10 May 2012 |publisher=Globo Esporte |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> the SESI Araçás Stadium, home to Vilavelhense, built in 1996 with a capacity of 1,500 people; and the Glória Stadium, which has been used for training by [[Clube de Regatas do Flamengo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Arquivo/0,,AA1349085-4282,00.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E19u7JwH?url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Arquivo/0,,AA1349085-4282,00.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Ney Franco viaja para Vila Velha na segunda |author=Márcio Iannacca |date=13 November 2006 |publisher=Globo Esporte |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several neighborhoods in the city have reasonably equipped football fields, some with synthetic turf, bleachers, and fencing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/infraestrutura-do-esporte-ampliada-em-vila-velha-3283 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A1MDgB?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/infraestrutura-do-esporte-ampliada-em-vila-velha-3283 |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Infraestrutura do Esporte ampliada em Vila Velha |author=Lívia Albernaz |date=9 December 2012 |publisher=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/fim-de-semana-marcado-por-inauguracoes-de-campo-de-futebol-3356 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A1o8gj?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/fim-de-semana-marcado-por-inauguracoes-de-campo-de-futebol-3356 |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Fim de semana marcado por inaugurações de campo de futebol |author=Lívia Albernaz |date=28 December 2012 |publisher=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In addition to football, Vila Velha offers numerous facilities for other sports. [[Centro de Treinamento Arremessando para o Futuro]] (Vila Velha/Garoto/UVV) is the city's main [[basketball]] team, founded in May 2000, with its home at the João Goulart Municipal Gymnasium, which has a capacity of up to 3,500 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lnb.com.br/equipes/vila-velha/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A3KG7b?url=http://lnb.com.br/equipes/vila-velha/ |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Vila Velha/Garoto/UVV |author=[[Novo Basquete Brasil]] (NBB) |date=2012 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Espírito Santo Tennis League, established in May 2005, organizes its own tennis circuit in the state and oversees the sport's practice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ligacapixabadetenis.com.br/administrativo/index.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A3lPHd?url=http://www.ligacapixabadetenis.com.br/administrativo/index.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Liga Capixaba de Tênis |author=Liga Capixaba de Tênis |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Teams and championships also exist for sports such as [[futsal]], [[volleyball]], [[footvolley]], [[American football]], [[rhythmic gymnastics]], and [[boxing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/fim-de-semana-agitado-no-esporte-3254 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A4reb7?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/noticias/fim-de-semana-agitado-no-esporte-3254 |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Fim de semana agitado no esporte |author=Lívia Albernaz |date=4 December 2012 |publisher=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/esportes-e-lazer-ginasio-poliesportivo-presidente-joao-goulart-tartarugao |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A6H9Vt?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/esportes-e-lazer-ginasio-poliesportivo-presidente-joao-goulart-tartarugao |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Ginásio Poliesportivo Presidente João Goulart (Tartarugão) |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Surfing]] is popular on some beaches, particularly at Barra do Jucu and Praia de Itaparica, where wave conditions support official tournaments and championships.<ref name="Vila_Jucu"/><ref name="Vila_Itaparica"/> Beach volleyball is also prominent, with the city occasionally hosting official national championships.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/esportes,marcio-e-fabio-luiz-conquistam-etapa-de-vila-velha,249746,0.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A6qfc8?url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/esportes,marcio-e-fabio-luiz-conquistam-etapa-de-vila-velha,249746,0.htm |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Márcio e Fábio Luiz conquistam etapa de Vila Velha |author=Estadão.com |date=28 September 2008 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Espírito Santo Flying Club offers flights for [[parachuting]] over the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webventure.com.br/paraquedismo/n/aeroclube-barra-do-jucu/4886 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E1A7r9B2?url=http://www.webventure.com.br/paraquedismo/n/aeroclube-barra-do-jucu/4886 |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Aeroclube Barra do Jucu |author=WebAdventure |date=19 January 2001 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Holidays === In Vila Velha, there are four municipal [[holiday]]s, established by Law 1,118 of 30 May 1967 (in accordance with Federal Decree 86 of 27 December 1966), eight national holidays, two state holidays, and several optional holidays.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislacaoonline.com.br/vilavelha/images/leis/html/L11181967.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0kq1L2c?url=http://www.legislacaoonline.com.br/vilavelha/images/leis/html/L11181967.html |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Lei nº 1118, de 30 de maio de 1967 |author=Prefeitura |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The municipal holidays are [[Good Friday]], in March or April; the Day of [[Our Lady of Peñafrancia|Our Lady of Penha]], celebrated on 8 April; the city's anniversary on 23 May (also recognized as the Day of Espírito Santo Soil Colonization, a state holiday); and [[Feast of Corpus Christi|Corpus Christi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/administracao-feriados-municipais |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0krGDF8?url=http://www.vilavelha.es.gov.br/paginas/administracao-feriados-municipais |archivedate=2013-01-28 |title=Feriados municipais |author=Prefeitura |date=1 January 2013 |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Federal Law No. 9,093, enacted on 12 September 1995, municipalities may have up to four religious municipal holidays, including Good Friday.<ref name="GuiaTrabalhistaCarnaval">{{cite web |url=http://www.guiatrabalhista.com.br/tematicas/carnaval.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6338F8rTG?url=http://www.guiatrabalhista.com.br/tematicas/carnaval.htm |archivedate=2011-11-08 |title=Carnaval - é ou não feriado? folga automática pode gerar alteração contratual |author=Sérgio Ferreira Pantaleão |publisher=Guia Trabalhista |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="GuiaTrabalhistaLei">{{cite web |url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Leis/L9093.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6338H85jV?url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Leis/L9093.htm |archivedate=2011-11-08 |title=Lei n.º 9.093, de 12 de setembro de 1995 |author=Presidência da República |accessdate=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Panorama | image = Vista panorâmica de Vila Velha ES a partir do Convento da Penha2.JPG | height = 300px | width = | caption = Panoramic view of Vila Velha from the [[Penha Convent]] | align = center }}
==Notable people== * [[Sávio]] — Brazilian football player * [[André Stein]] - Brazilian beach volleyball player * [[Francielly Pereira]] — Brazilian group rhythmic gymnast * [[Pâmella Oliveira]] - Brazilian triathlete. * [[Chay Suede]] - Brazilian actor and singer-songwriter
== See also == * [[Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Vila Velha)|Church of Our Lady of the Rosary]] * [[Prainha Historic Site]] * [[Fort of São Francisco Xavier de Piratininga]] * [[Memory House Museum]] * [[List of municipalities in Espírito Santo]] * [[Municipalities of Brazil]] * [[:Category:People from Vila Velha|People from Vila Velha]]
== References == {{Reflist|20em}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20040813183554/http://www.geocities.com/espiritosantoonline/vilavelha.html History of Vila Velha (in Portuguese)] * [http://www.pontadafruta.com/informacoes/000_0001.html History of Ponta da Fruta Vila Velha (in Portuguese)]
{{Municipalities of Espírito Santo}} {{Authority control}}
[[Category:Vila Velha| ]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1535]] [[Category:1535 establishments in Brazil]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Espírito Santo]] [[Category:Municipalities in Espírito Santo]]