Antonio Prado, in Serra Gaucha, is recognized by Iphan as the Brazilian city that best preserves the heritage of Italian immigration. Founded in 1886, it houses the largest urban architectural complex linked to Italian culture in the country.
About 80% of the population still speaks talian, a dialect that blends languages from northern Italy with Portuguese. The language is used in everyday life and reflects the identity of the descendants of immigrants who arrived in the region in the late 19th century.
Historical heritage and cultural legacy
The municipality has 48 buildings listed by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage. The buildings date from 1890 to 1940 and showcase techniques brought from Europe and adapted to Brazil.
This urban complex is an open-air museum that also hosts traditional festivals, artistic demonstrations and cuisine inherited from Italian ancestors.
Heritage designation is a legal mechanism that protects significant cultural assets. In Antônio Prado, it preserves not only buildings but also cultural practices, including the language.
Partnerships with Italian cities
Antônio Prado maintains agreements of twinning (sister cities) with Italian towns such as Rotzo, Cavaion Veronese, and Monselice. These ties strengthen cultural and economic exchange between Brazil and Italy.
With a strong tourist appeal, Antônio Prado also attracts visitors for its gastronomy. Restaurants and cantinas offer traditional dishes such as polenta, pasta, and gnocchi, keeping alive the cuisine typical of Italian immigrants in southern Brazil.
What to see, visit and eat in the most Italian city in Brazil
Start in the city center, home to 48 properties listed by IPHAN. The wood and stone buildings, dating from 1890 to 1940, reflect the architecture brought by Italian immigrants.
Pass by Praça Garibaldi, observe the details of the windows and balconies and take the opportunity to visit:
- Neni's House – craft shop and cafe with local products
- Father Schio Cultural Center – space of memory about immigration
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church – symbol of the faith brought by the colonists
Traditions and spirituality
In the central area, visit the Natural Cave of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of the city's most visited sites. Carved from natural rock in the 1930s, it is a place of faith and contemplation.
Walk to the Lion of St. Mark Monument, a replica of the symbol of the Republic of Venice, which represents the pride of the Venetian community.
Living culture and Talian language
Antônio Prado preserves the talian, a dialect spoken by about 80% of residents. It's worth attending a local musical or theatrical performance, usually held at the Casa da Cultura, where the language is used in celebrations, plays, and singing.
Typical cuisine: where to eat
The city is famous for food plentiful and tasty, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Cantinas and restaurants offer menus inspired by the cuisine of Venetian immigrants:
- Cantina Antica Italia – homemade pasta, chicken, radicci with bacon and grilled polenta
- Colonial Restaurant Dalla Costa – colonial buffet with farm products
- Delights of the Mountains – cheeses, salami and artisanal sweets
- Roman Ice Cream Shop – artisanal ice cream with typical regional flavors
Don't forget to try the colonial wine, made in small family wineries, and the grostoli, a typical sweet in the form of fried strips with sugar.
Rural tourism and ecotourism
In the surrounding area, you can visit rural properties that offer experiences such as fruit picking, hiking, and colony coffee.
Highlights:
- Immigration Paths Itinerary – guided tours of old houses and wineries
- Serra Ecological Refuge – trails in native forest and wildlife observation
- Plant Waterfall – ideal for photos and light walks
Extra tip: typical events and parties
If possible, schedule the visit during the National Pasta Festival, which celebrates Italian cuisine with shows, cultural presentations and lots of food.
In 2025, the party takes place November 7th to 23th.
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