historic route · Bento Gonçalves, RS
Caminhos de Pedra
A rural route that preserves stone and wood houses built by Italian immigrants, now turned into workshops, mills, cantinas and cafés serving café colonial. It's a step back into the daily life of the first settlements.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Caminhos de Pedra
Caminhos de Pedra is a rural route in the São Pedro district, in the countryside of Bento Gonçalves. Along a paved road stand stone and wooden houses built by the Italian immigrants who arrived in Serra Gaúcha from 1875 on.
The houses were almost abandoned when engineers and architects surveyed the buildings in 1987. Ten years later, in 1997, the route was born, with the idea of restoring the houses and giving them a use. The walls are made of basalt stone, and many keep the building style of the first settlements.
Today the houses are home to workshops, museums, cantinas, cheese factories, a weaving house and restaurants serving country-style food. One of the most visited spots is the Casa da Erva-Mate, with an 1884 mill powered by a water wheel. Between stops, the landscape is hills, vineyards and forest with araucarias.
You can do the tour by car, at your own pace, or with an agency. It takes no physical effort: most stops are right by the road. It's a good outing if you enjoy history, architecture and Italian food.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day lets you see the main houses without rushing; with a country-style lunch and several stops, set aside the whole day.
Best time
Any time of year, always during the day, when the houses are open to visitors. Weekdays are less crowded; Sunday is the busiest day.
How to get there
The route starts practically at the edge of Bento Gonçalves and runs for about 12 km on a paved road, along Linha Palmeiro, to RS-448. The easiest way is by car; local agencies also run guided tours.
Tip
Pick up the route map at the tourist information center and choose your stops ahead of time, because there are many and each one takes time.
A look at the place
Caminhos de Pedra in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Caminhos de Pedra
Is there an entrance fee for Caminhos de Pedra?
There's no admission for the route, which is an open road. Most houses can be visited for free; some activities cost extra.
How long does Caminhos de Pedra take?
Half a day for the main stops. With lunch and several houses, it's worth setting aside the whole day.
Do I need a guide?
No. You can do it on your own, by car, with the route map. If you prefer, you can book a guided tour with an agency.
Where is Caminhos de Pedra?
In the São Pedro district, in the countryside of Bento Gonçalves, on a paved road that leaves the city toward RS-448.
Can you get there without a car?
The most common way is by car or on an agency tour, because the houses are spread out along the road.