São Paulo – The city is not quite large. It has a population of 20,000, many of whom live in rural areas. The environment is tranquil and light-haired, pink-skinned people come and go on the streets. Nova Petrópolis is a city in the mountainous area of Rio Grande do Sul – known as Serra Gaúcha – that was originally peopled by German immigrants. It is one of the charming spots in the Brazilian interior, ideally suited to those looking for a peaceful place to go to. At this time of the year, when the weather is cold, Nova Petrópolis attracts lots of visitors, because it is within less than 50 kilometres of the main tourist cities on Serra Gaúcha: Gramado and Canela.
Many visitors lodge in the surrounding municipalities, which are larger, and commute to Nova Petrópolis during the day to see the sights and engage in tourist activities. This German-looking small city, however, also boasts a vast hotel network. The City Hall website alone lists 33 hotels and lodges. There are also plenty of places to eat, including abundant colonial cafés, which offer baking delights that are perfect matches to the cold days, such as the cucas, a popular sweet bread in Rio Grande do Sul whose original recipe is German. There are also restaurant specializing in German and Italian food, among others.
German immigration has given Nova Petrópolis a charming look, including several German-style buildings, interspersed with trees and primarily one-storey houses. Despite the city’s bucolic feel, however, tourist attractions are available. One of them is Labirinto Verde (the Green Labyrinth), located on Praça das Flores, composed of cypress trees planted in circles; Moinho Rasche (the Rasche Mill), which makes maize flour and is open to visitation; and Parque Aldeia do Imigrante (Immigrant’s Village Park), which keeps records of the history of immigration in the municipality.
Nova Petrópolis also offers leisure in the wild, including short waterfalls and Monte Malakoff, featuring basaltic rock walls over 100 metres high. At Ninho das Águias (Eagles’ Nest), approximately four kilometres away from the urban area, there is a ramp for paragliding and championships are held. Throughout the city there are some tree-laden squares in which to sit down and chat away while enjoying a chimarrão , a typical local beverage.
There are city travel agencies in the city, and routes vary based on visitor preference: cuisine, immigration, adventure, etc. The city is colourful as a result of the locals’ concern with growing flowers. The municipality hosts several festivals throughout the year and the schedule is worth checking out. There is a folklore show, a fig fest, a fabric fest, the spring fest, Easter and Christmas fests and others. The municipality is located 100 kilometres away from Porto Alegre, the state capital.
Service:
Nova Petrópolis
Mountain Range – Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil
Information (in Portuguese): http://www.novapetropolis.rs.gov.br/
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
