Stand on Rua Sinimbu beside Praça Dante Alighieri and you can see the towers of the Catedral Diocesana rising over the central square, with the daily traffic of the city moving past the church steps. Caxias do Sul is a working city in the Serra Gaúcha, shaped by Italian immigration and by the wine, wheat and metal trades that grew out of it, and much of what is worth your time here is tied to that story.
This guide suits travellers who are already in the region, or who are willing to make the city a base for a day or two between the valleys and the vineyards. It covers the sights and experiences named in the source material, with the practical details you need to fit them into a day.
Top things to do in Caxias do Sul
1. São Pelegrino Church
This Catholic church on Avenida Itália, at the corner with Avenida Rio Branco, holds works by the Italian-Brazilian artist Aldo Locatelli. In the lobby you can see a replica of Michelangelo's Pietà, a gift from Pope Paul VI for the centennial of Italian immigration, and the high relief bronze doors depicting scenes of the colonization period were created by the artist August Murer.
It is generally open from 08:00 to 18:00 but usually closes at noon for lunch, so plan your visit for the morning or the afternoon rather than the middle of the day.
2. Festa da Uva
The Grape Festival is a biennial agricultural convention held in February or March of even-numbered years, celebrating the Italian region of southern Brazil. It takes place at Rua Ludovico Cavinatto, 1431.
Because it only runs every second year, check the calendar before you build a trip around it. The Replica of historic Caxias do Sul sits beside the festival pavilions, so the two pair naturally on the same visit.
3. Replica of historic Caxias do Sul
Beside the Grape Festival Pavilions on Rua Ludovico Cavinatto, 1431, this architectural complex consists of 15 wooden houses, including a church and a bandstand. It follows strictly the standards prevailing in 1885 and reproduces Julio de Castilhos Avenue.
Combine it with the Festa da Uva grounds, since they share the same address, and allow time to walk the length of the reproduced avenue.
4. Monumento Nacional ao Imigrante
Inaugurated in 1954, this monument at the east end of Avenida Júlio de Castilhos on BR-116 celebrates the immigrants to the Brazilian nation, specifically the Italian immigrants of southern Brazil such as those in Caxias do Sul.
Parking is available, which makes it an easy stop by car. It sits on the highway, so it works well as a first or last stop on a day of driving.
5. Museu Casa de Pedra
Built in 1878 by the Lucchese family, this museum on Rua Matheo Gianella, 531 houses objects, furniture and utensils used by immigrants at the time of colonization, and is considered a Living Museum in Latin America.
It is open from 09:00 to 17:00. Give yourself time to look at the household objects closely, since the collection is about how people lived rather than about grand events.
6. Municipal Museum
On Rua Visconde de Pelotas, 586 in the Centro, the collection consists of pieces from the everyday life of settlers in the region, mostly Italian immigrants, and their acculturation with neighbouring groups. The museum functions as a memory centre of the city.
Its central location makes it easy to pair with the Catedral Diocesana and Praça Dante Alighieri on the same walk.
7. Roman Catholic Diocese of Caxias do Sul
On Rua Sinimbu, adjacent to Praça Dante Alighieri, the central square of the city, this cathedral was inspired by the Basilica of St. Anthony in Bologna and was built in the Italian Gothic style. It presents ten altars: the main one and nine lateral ones.
Since it faces the central square, visit it as part of a walk through the Centro rather than as a separate trip.
8. Castelo Lacave winery
At BR-116, Km 143, this castle was built by the Uruguayan businessman Juan Carrau between 1968 and 1978 in the style of an 11th-century medieval castle, and it functions as an active winery. You can take a tour, sample wine or grape juice, and eat at the restaurant in the complex.
Admission is R$10 for adults and R$5 for children aged 6 to 11. Because it is on the highway, it fits well into a day that also includes the Belvedere da Cascata Véu da Noiva.
9. Belvedere da Cascata Véu da Noiva
This outlook over the Bridal Veil Falls is in Galópolis, south of Bairro Galópolis on BR-116, on the east side of the road.
Be careful pulling in and out of the outlook, since BR-116 is very narrow and winding along this stretch. It is a short stop rather than a destination in itself.
10. Museu de Uva e Vinho Primo Slomp
In Bairro Forqueta, to the southwest of urban Caxias do Sul down RS-122, this Museum of Grapes and Wine is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.
Note that it is closed on Mondays, so plan it for another day of the week. Its location southwest of the city makes it a separate outing from the Centro sights.
11. Marcopolo Bus factory
On Avenida Rio Branco, 4889 in Bairro Ana Rech, you can tour the Marcopolo Bus Factory, one of the largest bus companies in the world.
Arrange the tour in advance by phone, since this is a working industrial site rather than a walk-in attraction.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in the Centro at the Catedral Diocesana on Rua Sinimbu, then walk the short distance to the Municipal Museum on Rua Visconde de Pelotas. Continue to the São Pelegrino Church on Avenida Itália before it closes at noon for lunch.
Afternoon: Drive out to the Monumento Nacional ao Imigrante at the east end of Avenida Júlio de Castilhos, where parking is available. From there, head to the Replica of historic Caxias do Sul on Rua Ludovico Cavinatto and walk through the wooden houses and the reproduced avenue.
Evening: Finish at the Castelo Lacave winery at BR-116, Km 143, for a tour, a wine or grape juice tasting, and a meal at the restaurant in the complex.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Festa da Uva take place?
It occurs every even-numbered year in February or March, at Rua Ludovico Cavinatto, 1431.
Can I visit the Marcopolo Bus factory?
Yes, tours of the factory on Avenida Rio Branco, 4889 in Bairro Ana Rech are available. Contact the company in advance to arrange one.
Is the Museu de Uva e Vinho Primo Slomp open every day?
No. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, so it is closed on Mondays.
What should I watch out for at the Belvedere da Cascata Véu da Noiva?
The outlook is on the east side of BR-116 in Galópolis, and the road is very narrow and winding along that stretch, so take care pulling in and out.
Pick the sights that match your interests, check the days and seasons that apply, and start mapping your route through Caxias do Sul.