Vizianagaram, the administrative headquarters of Vizianagaram District, is situated about 64 km north-east of Visakhapatnam. It was the erstwhile capital of the Gajapati chiefs in the 17th century and is regarded as a place of historical importance. Vizianagaram Fort, situated here, depicts the past glory of Gajapati chiefs.
Vizianagaram remained as a center of art and culture under the patronage of the Gajapati chiefs. Dibbesvar Temple is a major shrine at Vizianagaram.