- Serra Gaúcha
The Serra Gaúcha, "The Gaucho Highlands", is the mountainous region in the northeastern portion of
Rio Grande do Sul state in southernBrazil . This mountainous region is home to many Brazilians of German and Italian descent. Consequently, the cities in the Serra Gaúcha reflect German and Italian influences through their architecture, gastronomy and culture.Several tourist routes run through the most picturesque cities of the Serra Gaúcha, particularly the
Rota Romântica , following the tracks of German colonization; the Italian-flavoredCaminhos da Colônia ; the wine tastingRota da Uva e o Vinho ; and theRegião das Hortênsias , landscaped with beautifulhydrangea s ("hortênsia s" in Portuguese").The hot springs in
Nova Prata are also one of the regions tourist highlights.The most important cities among the 75 municipalities of the Serra Gaúcha areCaxias do Sul , Bento Gonçalves,Farroupilha ,Gramado ,Canela ,Nova Prata ,Nova Petrópolis andCarlos Barbosa .History
The region was colonized by European
immigrants during the 19th century. Germans started arriving in 1824 and Italians in 1875. Germans settled in the lowlands, close to river springs, while Italians populated the highlands. As a result, the region has a unique blend of German and Italian cultures, reflected in the local architecture and cuisine.Several small towns look like German villages from centuries ago, but on a backdrop of luscious subtropical rain forest and araucarias. Many Brazilians in the region still speak German, mainly theRiograndenser Hunsrückisch dialect.In the towns colonized by Italian immigrants wine production is considered an important component of the local culture and vineyards can be seen everywhere. The city of
Caxias do Sul celebrates the region's wine heritage during theFesta da Uva festival. Italian culture is still very strong in the community, and it's not rare to hear locals speaking the Northern-ItalianTalian dialect.External links
*pt icon [http://www.serragaucha.com.br/ Serra Gaúcha website]
* http://www.Gramado.com
* http://www.novapratars.com.br
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
