Cachoeiro de Itapemirim

Cachoeiro de Itapemirim is the name of a municipality and of its capital, 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, this is a very well-connected city. Its population is 150,000. Location: 164km south of Vitória.

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. 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. People use to say that Cachoeiro is considered the secret capital of the world.