Vineyards Valley in the city of Bento Gonçalves
Adventure sports in the city of Três Coroas
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Porto Alegre
 | Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Madre de Deus Address: Rua Duque de Caixas 1047 Centro, Porto Alegre, 90010-282 Phone: 051/3228-6001 Category: Religious Sites Although its construction began in 1921, this cathedral wasn't completed until 1986. Its predominant style is Italian Renaissance, but note the twin bell towers, which were inspired by 17th-century Jesuit missions. The facade's mosaic panels were made in the Vatican ateliers. Cost: Free Open: Daily 7-noon and 2-7 |
 | Centro Cultural Santander Address: Rua Sete de Setembro 1028 Centro, Porto Alegre, 90010-975 Phone: 051/3287-5500 www.santandercultural.com.br Category: Museums/Galleries This stately building, constructed in 1927-32 and the former headquarters of various banks, is now owned by Banco Santander of Spain, which has transformed it into a cultural center and gallery (it's no longer a working bank). Guided tours (Portuguese only) show the intricate ironwork of the entrance door and second-floor balcony as well as the ceiling's neoclassical paintings. The massive bank vault now houses a café. Cost: Free Open: Daily 9-5 |
 | Memorial do Rio Grande do Sul Address: Praça da Alfândega s/n Centro, Porto Alegre, 90010-191 Phone: 051/3224-7210 Category: Museums/Galleries Built to house the post-office headquarters at the turn of the 20th century, the building was declared a national architectural landmark in 1981. It now houses a state museum. Although overall the style is neoclassical, German baroque influences are b; the asymmetrical corner towers with their bronze rotundas are said to resemble Prussian army helmets. A permanent exhibit focuses on the state's history and the lives of important gaúchos, and on the second floor there's one of Brazil's largest collections of documents and manuscripts about Brazilian society. Cost: Free Open: Tues.-Sun. 9-5 |
 | Mercado Público Address: Largo Glenio Peres s/n Centro, Porto Alegre, 90020-070 Category: Markets/Bazaars The neoclassical Public Market was constructed in 1869. It has undergone repeated renovations, the last of which added the glass roof that now covers the central inner plaza. With these changes, some of the produce stalls have been replaced by souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants, taking away a bit of the boisterous bazaar ambience but increasing the options for the visitor. One of the best restaurants in the city, Gambrinus, is here. Open: Mon.-Sat. 7AM-11PM |
 | Museu de Arte do Rio Grande do Sul Address: Praça da Alfândega s/n Centro, Porto Alegre, 90010-150 Phone: 051/3227-2311 www.margs.org.br Category: Museums/Galleries In the 1990s the old, neoclassical customs building was restored to house this art museum. German immigrant Theo Wiederspahn designed this and several other of the city's early buildings. You can also see paintings, sculptures, and drawings by gaúcho and other Brazilian artists from several periods. Two works of Di Cavalcanti—one of the country's most renowned painters-are exhibited as well as several pieces by local sculptor Xico Stockinger. Cost: Free Open: Tues.-Sun. 10-7 |
 | Centro Cultural Usina do Gasômetro Address: Av. João Goulart, 551 Centro - Porto Alegre Phone: (51) 3289.8100 Category: Museums/Galleries Locate on the shores of Guaíba,the building holds an old thermoelectric powerhouse of the city that was active from 1928 to 1974. Since 1991, it's one of the most important cultural centers of the State. It's chimney is 117m tall and serves as a visual reference throughout the city. The best day to visit the Gasômetro is on a Sunday afternoon, when there are people sunbathing and admiring the view. Cost: Free Open: Tues - Sun 9-9 |
 | Palácio Piratini Address: Praça da Matriz s/n Centro, Porto Alegre, 90010-293 Phone: 051/3210-4170 Category: Architectural Sites, Government Buildings The Roman columns of the stately governor's mansion (which also houses executive offices) convey a solidity and permanence uncommon in official Brazilian buildings. In the main room murals by Aldo Locatelli depict gaúcho folktales. Guided 20-minute tours (Portuguese only) are given by appointment. Cost: Free Open: Weekdays 9-5 |
 | Brique da Redenção Address: Rua José Bonifácio Bom Fim, Porto Alegre Category: Outdoor/Flea/Green Markets Brique da Redenção, originally a flea market on the southeast side of Parque Farroupilha, has expanded into a full-blown antiques, crafts, and arts fair. Cost: Free Open: Weekend |
Historic Center – http://centrohistoricodeportoalegre.blogspot.com
Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS - http://www.pucrs.br/mct
Fundação Iberê Camargo - http://www.iberecamargo.org.br/content/fundacao/default.asp
Restaurants - http://www.hagah.com.br/restaurantes/jsp/default.jsp?
Shoppings Centers
Bourbon Shopping Ipiranga - http://www.bourbonshopping.com.br/site/como_chegar.jsp?shopping=ipiranga
Shopping Praia de Belas - http://www.praiadebelas.com.br/page/index.asp
Shopping Iguatemi - http://www.iguatemiportoalegre.com.br
Shopping Moinhos de Ventos - http://www.moinhosshopping.com.br
