Free Tour: Exploring Ilha do Mel

On this tour, we’ll explore the streets of Vitória’s Historic Center. We’ll start at the Anchieta Palace, a former Jesuit school and now the seat of the state executive branch. From this square, we’ll be able to see the Sônia Cabral Theater, the former seat of the Espírito Santo State Legislative Assembly. We’ll also admire the 19th-century architecture. We’ll continue along Pedro Palácios Street, where we’ll come upon the Maria Ortiz Staircase and learn about the history of the Dutch, French, and English invasions of Espírito Santo. In addition, we’ll discover the legend of the heroine after whom the staircase is named. We’ll pass by Vitória Cathedral and the oldest architectural complex, which consists of the Santa Luzia Chapel and the IPHAN complex. Finally, we’ll descend the São Bento Staircase in the lower part of downtown. We’ll see SESC Glória and the Carlos Gomes Theater near Costa Pereira Square—the heart of Vitória’s modernization and, to this day, the venue for the city’s cultural events. We’ll continue on to the Capixaba Market, taking in the Belle Époque-style architecture along Jerônimo Monteiro Avenue. At the market, we’ll have a view of the Port of Vitória and wrap up the day with a delicious local meal.