Caxias do Sul
Brazil · Americas
About Caxias do Sul
Caxias do Sul is a Brazilian municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Located in the northeast of the state at an elevation of 817 meters, it is the largest city in the Serra Gaúcha region, the second most populous city in Rio Grande do Sul, surpassed only by the state capital Porto Alegre, and the 47th largest city in Brazil.
Throughout its history, Caxias do Sul has been known as Campo dos Bugres (until 1877), Colônia de Caxias (1877–1884), and Santa Teresa de Caxias (1884–1890). The city was established where the Vacaria Plateau begins to break into numerous valleys, intersected by small waterways, resulting in a rugged topography in its southern part. The area was inhabited by indigenous Kaingang people since time immemorial, but they were forcibly displaced by so-called "bugreiros" to make way, in the late 19th century, for the Empire of Brazil's decision to colonize the region with a European population. Consequently, thousands of immigrants, primarily Italians from the Veneto region, but also including some Germans, French, Spaniards, and Poles, crossed the sea and ascended the Serra Gaúcha, exploring an area that was still almost entirely uncharted.
After an initial period filled with hardships and deprivation, the immigrants succeeded in establishing a prosperous city, with an economy initially based on the exploitation of agricultural products, particularly grapes and wine, whose success is reflected in the rapid expansion of commerce and industry in the first half of the 20th century. Concurrently, the rural and ethnic roots of the community began to lose relative importance in the economic and cultural landscape as urbanization progressed, an educated urban elite emerged, and the city became more integrated with the rest of Brazil. During the first government of Getúlio Vargas, a significant crisis arose between the immigrants and their early descendants and the Brazilian milieu, as nationalism was emphasized, and cultural and political expressions of foreign ethnic origin were severely repressed. After World War II, the situation was pacified, and Brazilians and foreigners began to work together for the common good.
Since then, the city has grown rapidly, multiplying its population, achieving high levels of economic and human development, and developing one of the most dynamic economies in Brazil, with a presence in numerous international markets. Its culture has also internationalized, with several higher education institutions and a significant artistic and cultural life in various forms, while simultaneously facing challenges typical of rapidly growing cities, such as pollution, the emergence of slums, and rising crime.
Caxias do Sul travel guide
Understand
The history of Caxias do Sul starts before the arrival of the Italians, when the region was being roamed by cattlemen and occupied by Indians. Back then, the region was called "Indians' Field". The Italian immigrants' occupation, mostly farmers from the Veneto region (northern Italy), started taking place in 1875 in Nova Milano. Hence, they were in search of a better place to live. They also met people from Lombardy, Trento, and other places. Although they had gotten some governmental support, such as tools, supplies, and seeds, everything had to be reimbursed. Two years later, the colonial headquarters of the Indians' Field was given the name Caxias Colony. The town was created on July 20, 1890 and acknowledged in the same year, on August 24. Many economic cycles marked the evolution of the city throughout that century. The first one is connected to the most peculiar aspect of its cultural identity: the growth of vines and the production of wine for own consumption at first, and later on, for commercialization. On June 1, 1910, Caxias do Sul was elevated to the category of city. On the same day, the first train arrived connecting the region to the state capital. Although the immigrants were farmers, many of them used to perform other activities. They settled down, urbanized the region, and started a fast-paced process of industrialization. In the countryside, subsistence agriculture concentrates on the cultivation of grapes, wheat, and corn. Home-based manufacturing started to emerge and the overproduction was commercialized. Home-based manufacturing and Caxias do Sul evolved from having small home-based workshops to today's big factories, which are known internationally. Nowadays, Caxias do Sul is an important city, and due to its industrious colonists, is home to vast vineyards, wineries, a varied industrial park, and a rich and dynamic market. Those attributes grant this land great importance, the reason why Caxias do Sul, called "pearl of the colonies", is considered the center of the Italian presence in Southern Brazil. Caxias do Sul is today the hub centralizing the region more diverse than Brazil, with its industrious settlers, its vast vineyards, his winery, his varied industrial park and a rich and dynamic trade, which gives the land a further dimension, why Caxias do Sul, the "Pearl of the Colonies", is, by itself, the pole centralizing the Italian brand in southern Brazil.
Climate
Caxias do Sul has a mountainous climate and is extremely cold in winter, but with mild summers. In colder months, temperatures can drop to 8°C (46.4°F), with te
Getting there
Caxias do Sul is 128 km from Porto Alegre.
By plane 1 Aeroporto Hugo Cantergiani (Campo dos Bugres Airport CXJ IATA), Avenida Salgado Filho 3451, ☏ +55 54 3901-1219. There are flights to Caxias do Sul via São Paulo airports (GRU IATA and CGH IATA) and Campinas (VCP IATA). However, as Porto Alegre Airport (POA IATA) has more commercial flights, many travelers fly to Porto Alegre and take a comfortable executive bus to Caxias do Sul, which is just two hours away. Compare fares for both airports. (updated Feb 2015) Airlines serving Caxias do Sul include:
Azul, ☏ +55 11 4003-3255, toll-free: +0800-887-1118 (Brazil). GOL, toll-free: +800-704-0465. If you prefer not to call, you can chat with an agent in Portuguese or English on the website.
By bus
2 Estação Rodoviária de Caxias do Sul (Intercity bus station), Rua Ernesto Alves 1341, ☏ +55 54 3218-3000, [email protected]. Comfortable and air-conditioned executive coaches are available from Porto Alegre and many other cities throughout Rio Grande do Sul state to Caxias do Sul. The bus station has a snack bar, shops with newspapers, magazines, and souvenirs. It also has a baggage storage services (guarda volumes, located in Sector 6, west side of the station) if you plan on just visiting town while waiting for another bus. Most travelers coming from the metropolitan Porto Alegre region will take the CAXIENSE busline to Caxias do Sul. If traveling to Caxias do Sul from another area, check the bus station website where you can check schedules, verify bus fare, and even purchase tickets (although a CPF, Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, or Natural Persons Register Number is necessary). Most foreigners simply show up at the time of travel and purchase a ticket. In general, there are vacancies on the buses if you're not traveling during a holiday. (updated Feb 2015) Intercity busline companies that operate at the Caxias do Sul intercity bus station:
Caxiense, ☏ +55 54 3211-8300. The company operates bus lines connecting Caxias do Sul to Porto Alegre and vice versa. (updated Nov 2021) Unesul, ☏ +55 51 3375-9000, toll-free: +0800-888-0809. The company also operates some bus lines connecting Caxias do Sul to Porto Alegre and vice versa. (updated Nov 2021) Citral, ☏ +55 54 3228-5430. The company operates bus lines to Gramado, Canela, São Francisco de Paula and Taquara. (updated Nov 2021) Bento Transportes, ☏ +55 54 3452-2977, [email protected]. Ozelame, ☏ +55 54 3228-4088. The company operates bus lines to cities near Caxias do Sul, such as Bento Gonçalves, Farroupil
Getting around
By taxi Taxi service in Caxias do Sul is very reliable. You will nearly always get a taxi from a taxi queue instead of hailing one off of the street. Use usual precautions and make sure that you know what the starting fare should be before getting into the taxi and which flag or "bandeira" should be used for that time of day. If the taximeter starts running before your driver even starts the trip, ask him or her to zero out the taximeter (zerar o taxímetro). Normal working days during working hours are "bandeira 1" which is less expensive.
By bus
VISATE (Viação Santa Tereza de Caxias do Sul), ☏ +55 54 3215-8000, toll-free: +800-051-6133. Municipal bus service is provided by VISATE. Most bus routes that pass through the center of the city have the subdivision (bairro) name in the name of the route. It is best to have a map of the city and its subdivisions if planning a trip. The VISATE site has a list of all routes and maps as well. (updated Feb 2015)
By car There are a couple of places to rent a car if you're planning on seeing points outside of the center of the city or if you plan to travel throughout the Serra Gaúcha.
Localiza Rent a Car Yes Renta a Car Hertz City Rent a Car
See
Museu Casa de Pedra (Stone House Museum), Rua Matheo Gianella, 531. 09:00 to 17:00. Built in 1878 by the Lucchese family, houses objects, furniture and utensils used by immigrants at the time of colonization. Considered a Living Museum in Latin America. 1 São Pelegrino Church, Av. Itália, 54, B. São Pelegrino (Av. Itália, corner with Av. Rio Branco), ☏ +55 54 3221-2567, [email protected]. 08:00 - 18:00, generally closes at noon for lunch. Catholic cathedral which houses works by Italian-Brazilian artist Aldo Locatelli. In the lobby, there's a replica of the Pieta of Michelangelo, a gift from Pope Paul VI by occasion of the Centennial of the Italian Immigration. The high relief bronze doors show epic scenes of colonization times, and were created by artist August Murer. 2 Replica of historic Caxias do Sul, Rua Ludovico Cavinatto, 1431 (beside the Grape Festival Pavilions). Architectural complex of 15 wooden houses, including a church and a bandstand, obeying strictly the standards prevailing at the time (1885), and reproducing the Julio de Castilhos Avenue. 3 Roman Catholic Diocese of Caxias do Sul (Catedral Diocesana), Rua Sinimbu 1976-2108 (On Rua Sinimbu adjacent to Praça Dante Alighieri (central square of the city)), ☏ +55 54 3221-2564. Inspired by the Basilica of St. Anthony in Bologna, was built in the Italian Gothic style, presenting ten altars: the main one and nine lateral ones. Municipal Museum, Rua Visconde de Pelotas, 586 - Centro, ☏ +55 54 3221-2423. The collection consists of pieces for the everyday life of settlers in the region, mostly Italian immigrants and acculturation with other neighboring groups. The museum functions as memory center of the city. 4 Monumento Nacional ao Imigrante (National Monument to the Immigrant) (at the east end of Avenida Júlio de Castilhos on BR-116). Inaugurated in 1954, the monument celebrates the immigrants to the Brazilian nation, specifically, Italian immigrants in southern Brazil like those in Caxias do Sul. Parking is available. Museu de Uva e Vinho Primo Slomp (Museum of Grapes and Wine), Rua Luiz Franciosi Sério, 350 Bairro Forqueta (in Bairro Forqueta which is to the southwest of urban Caxias do Sul down RS-122). Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. 5 Belvedere da Cascata Véu da Noiva (Bridal Veil Falls outlook) in Galópolis (south of Bairro Galópolis on BR-116; the outlook is on the east side of the road; be careful pulling in and out of this outlook since BR-116 is very narrow and winding along this stretch of the road).
Do
6 Castelo Lacave winery, BR 116 - Km 143, ☏ +55 54 4009-4822. The castle was built by Uruguayan businessman Juan Carrau from 1968-1978 in the style of an 11th-century medieval castle and functions as an active winery. You can take a tour, sample wine or grape juice and eat at the restaurant located in the complex. R$10 for adults, R$5 children ages 6-11. 7 Marcopolo Bus factory, Av. Rio Branco, 4889 - Bairro Ana Rech, ☏ +55 54 2101-4000. Tour the Marcopolo Bus Factory, one of the largest bus companies in the world. 8 Festa da Uva (GrapeFest - occurs ever even-numbered year in February/March), R. Ludovico Cavinatto, 1431. This biennial agricultural convention celebrates everything from this Italian region of southern Brazil.
Eat
Alameda Pizzeria, Rua Matteo Gianella, 1440, ☏ +55 54 3211-0102, +55 54 32113694. (updated Feb 2015) Churrascaria Gaudério, Rua Mário de Boni, 1766, ☏ +55 54 3225-1466, [email protected]. Chateau Lacave, BR 116, Km 143, s/nº, ☏ +55 54 4009-4800, +55 54 4009-4822, [email protected]. Daily 11:30-15:00, Tu-Th 19:30-22:00, F Sa 19:30-23:00.
Drink & nightlife
Traditional gaucho venues Paiol Espaço Nativo.
Sleep
Budget Bandeira Hotel, Rua Sinimbu, 2435, ☏ +55 54 3221-1657, +55 54 99101-0208. Coophotel (antigo Alfred Hotel), Rua Sinimbu, 2266, ☏ +55 54 3209-8600. Hotel Pousada Caxiense, ☏ +55 54 3229-3155.
Mid-range Bela Vista Parque Hotel, ☏ +55 54 3283-1177. Ibis Caxias do Sul, Rua João Nichelle 2335 - Sanvitto II (near the Iguatemi Shopping center on the far west side of the city), ☏ +55 54 3209-5555. Ibis is a discount French chain hotel with very adequate accommodations. The hotel is outside of the city center, so you should plan on public transit, taxi or car to reach the center from this point. About R$120 and R$160 per night.. Tri Hotel Executive Caxias do Sul, Rua Ernesto Alves, 2083 - Centro (Located in the city center.), ☏ +55 54 3535-3434. A modern and well-appointed hotel in the center of the city. This is probably the best value in the city if you're looking for modern, clean and inexpensive. From R$99. Letto Hotel Caxias do Sul, R. Ernesto Alves, 1462, ☏ +55 54 3536-7177.
Splurge Blue Tree Towers Caxias do Sul, Rua Pinheiro Machado, 2867 - Pelegrino (Located in the Pelegrino subdivision adjacent to the city center.), ☏ +55 54 3224-9000. R$240 to R$470. Cosmos Hotel, R. Vinte de Setembro,1563, Centro, ☏ +55 54 2101-7777. Hotel Intercity Premium, Av. Terezinha Pauletti Sanvitto, 333, Desvio Rizzo, ☏ +55 54 3026-1000. Personal Royal Hotel, Rua Garibaldi, 153 - Pio X (in the Pio X subdivision adjacent to the center of the city), ☏ +55 54 3289-2000. R$159 to R$460. Samuara Parque Hotel, RS-122, km 69, 2505, Desvio Rizzo, ☏ +55 54 3026-3000.
Go next
Bento Gonçalves - The Wine Capital of Brazil. Gramado - A German-themed tourist city on the Rota Romântica (Romantic Route). Canela - Gramado's sister city. There are plenty of eco-tourism opportunities here (river rafting, hang gliding, hiking) and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state at the Parque do Caracol.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.