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What to do in Porto Alegre
Parks, museums,
markets, a stroll through Guaiba… everything is beautiful in
this city full of corners reminiscent of Europe. Strategically located
in the centre of MERCOSUR, Porto Alegre is a city of encounters. The
historical city centre is full of hundred-year-old buildings
impregnated with history and originality.
Central Public Market
This is one of the liveliest areas of the city, full of
shops and surrounded by restaurants where you can taste typical gaucho
fare. Inaugurated in 1870, the second floor was completed in 1910.
Chalet of the XV de Novembro Plaza
The original timber building was replaced in 1911. Its
current structure is of assembled steel, therefore no one is sure
whether it was built in Brazil or shipped piece by piece from Europe.
Originally built as a drink and ice-cream stand, nowadays it houses a
school of cuisine specialising in Gaucho regional gastronomy.
Piratini Palace
It has been the seat of the Rio Grande do Sul government
since 1921 and its interior has witnessed important historical events
of this state. Despite the building’s lack of vintage, it was
inspired in the classic styles. Some of the works of art inside pay
homage to the “bandeirantes”, the first settlers of the
region; as well as to the entrepreneurial character of the
“gauchos” who have given the region a unique feel with
their commercial and industrial profiles.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Porto Alegre
Designed by the Italian architect Giovenale, the
cathedral was built in the twentieth century (the first stone laid in
1921). Its design has a renaissance feel, evocating Saint Peter’s
Basilica in Rome (specially the building’s dome).
Guaiba Lake
A common meeting place at dusk, where the inhabitants of
Porto Alegre stroll and relax whilst enjoying the beauty of the sunset
over the lake.
Parks
Porto Alegre stands out for its plentiful parks and wide
green spaces. Located in the city or very close to the centre, they
house a great number of local flora and fauna species. Some of the most
outstanding are the “Redençao” Park, the Botanical
Gardens and outside of the city centre, Saint Hilaire Park.
Interesting links:
Porto Alegre Cathedral
Piratini Palace
Porto Alegre