Cachoeiro de Itapemirim


Cachoeiro de Itapemirim is a municipality and a major town, located in the south of Espírito Santo, Brazil, on the banks of the Itapemirim River. It is the economic hub of southern Espírito Santo, being the most important producer of marble and granite in Brazil. Home to one of the biggest intercity bus companies, it is a very well-connected city. The population is about 210,000. Location: 164 km south of Vitória.
The city is served by Cachoeiro de Itapemirim Airport.

History

Cachoeiro de Itapemirim's first commercial establishment opened in 1853, and in 1889 its first post office and telegram services were begun. Since its early days, transport has played a major role in this town. Since it was established by a waterfall, where it would be impossible to continue the journey up the river, it became an important stop for gold prospectors traveling to Minas Gerais. Many immigrant families which travelled to southern Espírito Santo established in the region.

Transport

The railway line to Rio de Janeiro was completed in 1900, allowing both cultural and economical influence from the latter. In 1911 the railway to Vitória was completed, strengthening links to the north.

Attractions

The municipality contains the Pacotuba National Forest, created in 2002.
The quilombola community of Monte Alegre offers ethnic, cultural and environmental tourism in partnership with the forest and the ministry of tourism.
This includes crafts and gastronomy, expression of traditions and community lifestyle, and guided tours of the forest.
The municipality contains part of the protected area of the Frade e a Freira Natural Monument.
It contains the Itabira Natural Monument.
The city is nicknamed A capital oculta do mundo, meaning "the secret capital of the world".

People