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Gramado, Exotic and Different

FOLIAGE-CARPETED HILLS, RIVERS AND WATERFALLS MAKE UP THE SCENERY ANY TRAVELER CAN FEAST EYES ON WHILE STROLLING GRAMADO, A CITY BLESSED WITH PECULIAR CLIMATE, CULTURE AND PEOPLE, AND WITH A TOURISM-ORIENTED ECONOMY

TEXT: ENRIQUE MILANÉS PHOTOS: EXCELENCIAS ARCHIVES

Its name comes from the Portuguese term grama, meaning green grass, that the muleteers found when they crossed the Sierra Grande. The settlers gave it this name because it was a place where the cattle used to graze on their long journey to the State of

Sao Paulo, where they were eventually sold. In 1875, the first immigrants arrived in the region: the Lusitanians and later on the Germans and Italians. To the cultural traditions of the European descendants, the native habits of the Gauchos were added. This cultural melting pot can be observed, even today, in the customs and architecture of the municipality, a condition it gained back in 1954. Located in the state of Rio Grande do

Sul, this city accounts for the fourth most sought-after travel destination in Brazil. Its peculiar climate, its culture and its people have made it a true tourist emporium.

During the summer, temperatures are pleasant and do not come over 30 degrees Celsius. However, in the winter there are frosts, fog and eventually snowfall. The historical minimum temp ever recorded was -6.4 degrees Celsius. Rain in the cold season is a constant, mainly between the months of June and October.

Foliage-carpeted hills, rivers and waterfalls make up the scenery any traveler can feast eyes on while strolling Gramado, with a starting point in the city, where you can also visit some of the rural properties that surround it.

Every year, more than 200 events are held here, among them some world-class gatherings such as the Gramado Film Festival, the Natal Luz, the Gramado Aleluya or the Festuris

Gramado, the International Tourism Fair that in this ill-fated 2020 will hold its 32nd edition, at the Serra Park, between November 5 and 8.

Considered the most effective tourism business fair in Latin America, Festuris Gramado is the only event of its kind in Brazil that this year will be held in the flesh. With safety as its motto, the event has worked hard to "be the stage for the safe return of tourism, respecting a series of

protocols created for its realization," according to Rossi e Zorzanello, the organizing company.

OTHER WONDERS

Crowned with a small inland island, where lovers and tourists go regularly, the Joaquina Rita Bier Lake, designed by Leopoldo Rosenfeldt boasts 17,000 m², and is a space hemmed in by summer houses, hotels and Paraná (Araucárias) pines with tens of years under their barks. The place was dug with the help of just shovels and pickaxes.

Every year, more than 200 events are held here, among them some worldclass gatherings

Gramado is recognized as "a European dream on American soil". Besides an admirable natural environment, it has an unexpected cultural legacy of the Old World

Gramado is recognized as "a European dream on American soil". Besides an admirable natural environment, it has an unexpected cultural legacy of the Old World. Unlike other Brazilian territories, it lacks the tropical flavor that characterizes the rest of the country, due to the cold weather and the great European immigration. Secondly, authorities and locals strive to beautify the city to such an extent that the streets always remain impeccable and there are flowers galore in any season of the year.

The hydrangea is the symbol flower of Gramado (it is also called "Region of the Hydrangeas") and is present everywhere, not only in private gardens but also in public parks, streets and tourist routes.

The other big difference between Gramado and the rest of Brazil is the absence of the frenetic rhythm that overwhelms the big cities of the South American country. Many tourists travel to this blue-hued land (given by the acid soil, rich in iron oxide) to enjoy tranquility, cozy hotels, good gastronomy and excellent shopping, among which furniture, leather, fabrics and chocolates stand out.

Strange places in the South American world for its European flavor, mainly German and Italian, abound in the exotic city. For example, the entrance portico called Via Nova Petrópolis, was built in the Bavarian style. It was inaugurated on January 6, 1973 and, beyond being a beautiful building, it has manicured and blooming gardens that leave visitors in awe as they try to

The San Pedro Church, with a structure made of basalt stone and in perfect architectural harmony, features artistic stained glass windows depicting sacred images. It is perched on Piazza Maggiore Nicoletti

take pictures of them in an effort to take a good keepsake back home.

The Portico of Via Taquara, on the other hand, was conceived in the Norman style and was finished on June 8, 1991, as a tribute to the German colonization. Mini Mundo, created by the Hoppner family a decade earlier, boasts striking beauty because it brings to life the fantasy of a miniature city reminiscent of Legoland in Denmark. It shows replicas of castles, railroads, mills, squares, churches, shipyards, cable cars, towers, lakes, waterfalls and typical houses, in an imaginary universe.

The San Pedro Church (1942), with a structure made of basalt stone and in perfect architectural harmony, features artistic stained glass windows depicting sacred images. It is perched on Piazza Maggiore Nicoletti, which together with this religious temple and the Palazzo dei Festivi, stands out among the most typical landmarks.

Another church, the Clock or Evangelical Church of Lutheran Confession, opened on February 5, 1961, dedicated to the Apostle Paul, follower of Christ. Its clock is part of the daily landscape, and its location, on a bouquet of hydrangeas, is no doubt one of the most popular postcards in Gramado.

Knorr Park, which hosts Santa Claus' village, is located in the downtown area, in a place that overflows with magic and charm. There you can find the Tree of Wishes, the Bears' Chalet, the Toy Factory and also the first house in the region built in Bavarian style, registered in 1940, all spruced up in Christmas motifs.

Gramado is 126 km from Porto Alegre, capital of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The hospitality of the people and the smell of the surrounding nature make it an ideal city to live once-in-a-lifetime moments.

SUMMARY

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2020-11-09T08:00:00.0000000Z

2020-11-09T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://revistasexcelencias.pressreader.com/article/282437056646904

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