park · Nova Petrópolis, RS
Parque Aldeia do Imigrante
Opened in 1985 on a 10-hectare site, it recreates a German settler village with half-timbered buildings. There's a chapel, a parish house, a dance hall, a blacksmith shop, a school, a cemetery and a history museum.
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 Parque Aldeia do Imigrante
The Parque Aldeia do Imigrante is a theme park dedicated to the culture of the German immigrants who settled Nova Petrópolis. It was founded by the city government on January 12, 1985, and covers 10 hectares, most of it native forest.
The idea was born in 1974, during the celebrations of 150 years of German immigration in Rio Grande do Sul. In a parade, the community displayed clothing, furniture and utensils kept by local families. To preserve this collection, the town decided to create the park and rebuild buildings from the 1870 to 1910 period there.
The heart of the park is the Aldeia Histórica (historic village), a group of half-timbered houses that portrays a typical German community of the time. Among the buildings are the chapel, still used for services, the first school, the blacksmith shop and the Caixa Rural, a reminder of the credit cooperative created by the settlers. There's also the Municipal History Museum, with period objects, and the Memorial da Arquitetura Germânica, with miniature replicas.
Besides the historic area, the park has trails through the forest, a lake with pedal boats, a bandstand, kids' areas and restaurants. It's a relaxed outing for families, couples and anyone interested in the history of German settlement in Serra Gaúcha.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside two to three hours to see the Aldeia Histórica, the museum and walk around the park without rushing.
Best time
Spring and fall, on sunny mornings, when the forest looks its best and the heat doesn't weigh on your walk.
How to get there
The park is on Avenida 15 de Novembro, in the center of Nova Petrópolis. The park's parking lot is reserved for tour buses; if you come by car, use the town's Zona Azul (paid street parking) or nearby private lots.
Tip
There's an entrance fee, and tickets can be bought on the official website. Activities like the pedal boats cost extra. Dogs are welcome, always on a leash. Check opening hours on the official website.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Aldeia do Imigrante 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 Parque Aldeia do Imigrante
Is there an entrance fee for the Parque Aldeia do Imigrante?
Yes, there's an entrance fee, with free entry for young children. The ticket includes the Aldeia Histórica, the museum and the memorial; pedal boats and electric carts cost extra. Check rates on the official website.
How long does the visit take?
Generally, two to three hours is enough to see the Aldeia Histórica, the museum and stroll around the park.
Can I bring my dog to the Parque Aldeia do Imigrante?
Yes. The park is pet-friendly, as long as the animal is on a leash and always supervised by its owner.
What is there to see at the Aldeia do Imigrante?
Half-timbered houses that recreate a German community between 1870 and 1910, such as the chapel, the school, the blacksmith shop and the Caixa Rural, plus the Municipal History Museum, the Memorial da Arquitetura Germânica, forest trails and a lake with pedal boats.
Is there parking at the park?
The park's parking lot is for tour buses only. If you come by car, you can use the town's Zona Azul (paid street parking) or private lots nearby.