A holy view from the Convento da Penha, Vila Velha

It is hard to meet a person who has visited Vila Velha and did not go to Convento da Penha. More than just a symbol of Catholicism, this is a true heritage of Espírito Santo and a “must” for those who want to know better the history of the state and its natural beauties.

I remember during my childhood, my cousins and I would easily climb its 154 meters height on the brick road, while we admired the trees, the monkeys and the view to Vitória and Praia da Costa. I believe it would not be so easy to do the same now, but I am certain it would be worthy. And that is why I recommend you do the same – not only the Convent itself is beautiful, but the way to get to it is incredible as well. 

Convento da Penha, Vila Velha

Convento da Penha is one of the oldest sanctuaries in Brazil and one of the oldest churches in the state of Espírito Santo -561 years old. It is named after Our Lady of Penha, the mother of Christ, who happened to appear in the west of Spain, in a mountain called Penha de França. But why would a saint from Spain name a convent in Vila Velha in Brazil? Because its founder, friar Pedro Palácios, was Spanish and devoted it to her. 

Convento da Penha, Vila Velha

Convento da Penha, Vila Velha - ES, 29100-250, Brasil

Like most stories about churches and convents, a few supernatural facts surround it. But what is worth mentioning is the supernatural peace that this place brings. Convento da Penha is built over a rock, and, as I said, to get there, you can walk on the brick roads or drive until there and leave your car on the parking lot. The way is incredibly peaceful, green, and beautiful. As it is located on the coast of Praia da Costa, it is windy and warm. As a result, you will feel tired on the way, but you can stop anywhere, drink some water, and move on.

When you get to the top, you will see a few stores, a stage where services are held, and a viewpoint where you can see the whole bay of Vitoria, the Terceira Ponte (a long bridge that connects Vitória to Vila Velha) and the sea. After you stop by to take some pictures, you can start walking up the stairs to the Convent. 

Terceira Ponte, Vila Velha

Third Bridge - Praia do Canto, Vitória - ES, 29055-410, Βραζιλία

Praia da Costa, Vila Velha

Praia da Costa, Vila Velha - ES, Brasil

The hard work of slaves built each one of the rocks you walk by, and you can think how hard it must have been to do it all manually, for hundreds of years. If you look at the trees, you will see the monkeys, birds, lizards… the perfect scenery. I believe it is this conjugation between heavy history and light nature, which turns it into a respectful and peaceful place. 

There are some chapels with pictures of people who have been healed by the intervention of Our Lady of Penha along with the messages they left, thanking her for the blessings. Walking up the stairs inside Convento da Penha, there are lots of centenary devotion signs from wealthy families. In my opinion, there is nothing exceptional about the church; it is quite regular, like any other. But the view from the top of it is just spectacular! There is a small window by a bench where you can sit and observe the beautiful landscape. Do not miss taking a picture; everyone does! After all, it is an incredible souvenir. 

If you are a spiritualized person, you can light up a candle you buy on the local souvenir shop, make a wish and leave it burning. If you are not, you can just enjoy the atmosphere while you get to the conclusion: soon you will be back to Vila Velha and visit once again the Convento da Penha.