Anchieta Palace


Vitória’s grandest historic building is this former Jesuit college and church, now the seat of state government. Free 40-minute guided tours include the original 16th-century foundations, artifacts discovered during renovation, and the tomb of Padre José de Anchieta (1534–97), an early missionary hailed as the ‘Apostle of Brazil'. Weekend tours (50 minutes) visit additional rooms reserved for government functions on weekdays.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Parque Moscoso

0.2 MILES

Capixabas like to walk and relax in the leafy Parque Moscoso, just west of the city center.

2. Convento da Penha

3.44 MILES

This 16th-century convent atop the densely forested Morro da Penha is a must-see. The panoramic city views are magnificent, and the chapel (founded in…

3. Praia da Costa

3.99 MILES

This Vila Velha beach is the city’s nicest. It has fewer hotels and restaurants than Camburí, but you can swim and bodysurf. Keep a close eye on the…

4. Praia do Camburí

4.31 MILES

This 5km stretch of beach is punctuated by kiosks, restaurants, nightspots and midrange hotels. Don’t swim near the bridge – it’s polluted.

5. Instituto Reserva Kautsky

20.65 MILES

Flora lovers should head out to this lovely mountainside reserve, established by dedicated botanist Roberto Kautsky, who cultivated more than 100 species…

6. Casa da Cultura

20.9 MILES

Opposite the first bus stop in town, this place serves as an unofficial tourist office, offering a wealth of advice about Domingos Martins and the…

7. Praia do Morro

24.86 MILES

Guarapari's best and longest urban beach is this long crescent of golden sand backed by high-rise buildings, just northeast of downtown. Be aware that its…

8. Praia do Meio

26.36 MILES

As the Portuguese name implies, this beach is right in the middle of downtown Guarapari, at the foot of a small peninsula crowned by palm trees. There are…