museum · Canela, RS
Castelinho Caracol
Built between 1913 and 1915 by Pedro Carlos Franzen from araucaria wood, without nails, it has been a museum since 1985. It keeps period furniture in its 18 rooms, plus an old sawmill and German immigrant houses.
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 Castelinho Caracol
The Castelinho Caracol is a wooden house built between 1913 and 1915 by German immigrant Pedro Carlos Franzen and his wife, Luiza Sommer, on one of the first properties in Canela. Since 1985 it has been a museum and tea house.
The house was built entirely from araucaria wood, the pine typical of the mountains, with joints and screws, no nails. Its shape, with a tower, looks like a small castle in the middle of the woods, hence the nickname (castelinho means little castle).
Inside, the house keeps the family's original furniture, utensils and objects, which show how immigrants lived in the early 20th century. Around it are gardens, an old sawmill with period machinery, sheds with items from rural life, half-timbered houses and a covered bridge over a creek.
The most famous stop is the tea house, which serves apfelstrudel, the German apple pastry, baked in an old wood-burning stove and served warm. The visit is relaxed, takes no physical effort, and appeals to anyone who enjoys history and old houses.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One hour is enough to see the house, walk through the gardens and enjoy the strudel at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Any time of year, preferably in the morning, when it's calmer to see the house. In winter, warm strudel goes perfectly with the mountain chill.
How to get there
It's on the Estrada do Caracol, a few kilometers from the center of Canela, on the way to the Parque do Caracol and the Skyglass. The easiest way is by car or taxi.
Tip
Combine your visit with the Parque do Caracol and the Skyglass, on the same road, and save the strudel for the end of the outing.
A look at the place
Castelinho Caracol 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 Castelinho Caracol
Is there an entrance fee for the Castelinho Caracol?
Yes, there's a fee to visit the house museum. Strudel and drinks at the tea house cost extra.
Is it true the Castelinho was built without nails?
Yes. The house was assembled from araucaria wood with joints and screws, without nails.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour, including the house, the gardens, the sawmill and a stop at the tea house.
Where is the Castelinho Caracol?
On the Estrada do Caracol, in Canela, on the way between the center and the Parque do Caracol.
What should I eat at the Castelinho Caracol?
The famous dish is apfelstrudel, the German apple pastry, served warm, with or without ice cream.