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Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo

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Vasco Fernandes Coutinho
1st Captain-major of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo
In office
23 May 1535 – 21 June 1561
MonarchsJohn III (1535–1557)
Sebastian I (1557–1531)
Succeeded byVasco Fernandes Coutinho Filho
Personal details
Born1490
Serpa, Kingdom of Portugal
Died1561(1561-00-00) (aged 70–71)
Vila Velha, Portuguese colony of Brazil
Spouse(s)Maria do Campo
Ana Vaz de Almada
ChildrenJorge
Martim
Guiomar
Maria Catarina
Vasco Fernandes Filho
Parents

Vasco Fernandes Coutinho (1490–1561) was a Portuguese fidalgo and the first donatary of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo, a colonial territory in what is now Brazil.

Biography

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Vasco Fernandes Coutinho was born in Portugal. He was later amongst the first 12 volunteers from Portugal to come to the newly discovered land of 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 both the first capital of Espírito Santo (today 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 in 1551. Both are still standing.

Coat of Arms of Vasco Coutinho
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Political offices
Office created 1st Captain-major of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo
1535–1561
Succeeded by
Vasco Fernandes Coutinho Filho