Noble family Mello Coutinho Name Vasco Coutinho, Religion Roman Catholic | Mother Branca Coutinho | |
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Died 1561Vila Velha, Portuguese colony of Brazil | ||
Vasco Fernandes Coutinho (1490–1561) was a Portuguese fidalgo and the first donatary of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo.
Biography
Vasco Fernandes Coutinho 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 first capital Espirito Santo (now known as Vila Velha, "Old Town") and the current capital Vitória.
During his administration Espírito Santo's first two churches – São João and Rosário, both in Vila Velha – were founded (1551). Both are still standing.
References
Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA