On this tour through Santa Maria and Quarta Colônia, we'll learn all about Italian immigration in Brazil and visit a popular university town!
Description
At the indicated time, we'll collect you from your hotel in Santa Maria and head into the city centre to begin our guided tour! Let's go!
As we stroll through Santa Maria, we'll admire the neo-baroque and neoclassical style of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception, the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces, the colourful houses of Villa Belga, and, of course, discuss the Federal University of Santa Maria - one of the largest universities in the country.
After our tour of Santa Maria, we'll head by minibus to the village of Silveira Martins. Here, we'll make a short stop at a restaurant where you'll be able to enjoy an Italian lunch including chicken, polenta and pasta.
In addition to Silveira Martins, we'll visit other nearby villages such as Vale Vêneto or Recanto Maestro. All of these towns form the so-called Quarta Colônia (fourth colony), and each shows clear evidence of European, specifically Italian influence. During the tour, we'll journey back in time to the end of the 19th century, discussing the background of the massive wave of immigration from Europe, especially in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
What did the Italians who came to Brazil do for a living? Why did this country become a fashionable destination for those who wanted to make a better life for themselves? We'll reveal all!
After 8 hours of sightseeing, we'll conclude the activity by dropping you off back at your hotel.
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