Vasco Coutinho
Encyclopedia
Vasco Fernandes Coutinho (1490–1561) was the founder of the Brazil
ian state of Espírito Santo
.
He was born in Portugal
. He was later amongst the first 12 volunteers from Portugal to come to the newly discovered land which came to be known as Brazil
. He was presented the area which became Espírito Santo and administered the colony for 25 years, despite being a military man by trade.
He founded the current capital Vitória and the first capital, today known as Vila Velha
("Old Town").
During his administration Espírito Santo's first two churches – São João and Rosário founded in 1551, both in Vila Velha – were founded. Both are still standing.
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian state of Espírito Santo
Espírito Santo
Espírito Santo is one of the states of southeastern Brazil, often referred to by the abbreviation "ES". Its capital is Vitória and the largest city is Vila Velha. The name of the state means literally "holy spirit" after the Holy Ghost of Christianity...
.
He was born in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. He was later amongst the first 12 volunteers from Portugal to come to the newly discovered land which came to be known as Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. He was presented the area which became Espírito Santo and administered the colony for 25 years, despite being a military man by trade.
He founded the current capital Vitória and the first capital, today known as Vila Velha
Vila Velha
Vila Velha is a coastal town in Espírito Santo, Brazil. It lies across from Vitória, the state capital. Its population was 396,323 and its area is 208.82 km².Vila Velha forms part of the Greater Vitória metropolitan area...
("Old Town").
During his administration Espírito Santo's first two churches – São João and Rosário founded in 1551, both in Vila Velha – were founded. Both are still standing.