EXHIBIT 5





                           September 28, 1994


First Virginia Banks, Inc.
6400 Arlington Boulevard
Falls Church, Virginia 22042-2336

Re:  Registration Statement for Proposed Affiliation of
     Farmers National Bancorp with First Virginia Banks, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      In connection  with the proposed offering  of 4,048,584 shares of  Common
Stock, par value $1.00  per share,  of First  Virginia Banks, Inc.,  pursuant to
the above-described Registration Statement on Form  S-4, I have examined such
corporate  records, certificates and other documents and such questions of law
as I considered necessary or appropriate for purposes of preparation and filing
of this opinion.

      On the basis of such  examination, it is my opinion that the
shares  of Common Stock being  issued with  respect to  the  affiliation
of  Farmers National  Bancorp with  First Virginia Banks, Inc. are
legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

      I hereby consent to  the filing of this opinion  as an exhibit to
said Registration Statement and to the reference to me  under the
caption "Legal Opinion" in the  prospectus included therein.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ CHRISTOPHER M. COLE

                                    Christopher M. Cole
                                    Vice President and
                                    Assistant General Counsel