TheSerra Gaúcha (Gaucho Highlands) is acultural region comprising the mountainous areas in the northeastern portion ofRio Grande do Sul state in southernBrazil. Most of its inhabitants are ofGerman andItalian ancestry. Consequently, the cities in the Serra Gaúcha reflectGerman andItalian influences through their architecture, gastronomy, and culture. Geographically, it is part of theSerra Geral mountain range.
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Several tourist routes run through the most picturesque cities of the Serra Gaúcha, particularly theRota Romântica, following the tracks of German colonization; the Italian-flavoredCaminhos da Colônia; thewine tastingRota da Uva e o Vinho; and theRegião das Hortênsias, landscaped with beautifulhydrangeas ("hortênsias" inPortuguese).
The hot springs inNova Prata are also one of the region's tourist highlights. The most important cities among the 75 municipalities of the Serra Gaúcha areCaxias do Sul,Bento Gonçalves,Garibaldi,Farroupilha,Gramado,Canela,Veranópolis,Nova Prata,Vacaria,Nova Petrópolis,Flores da Cunha andCarlos Barbosa.
The region was settled byEuropeanimmigrants during the 19th century.Germans started arriving in 1824 andItalians in 1875. Germans settled in the lowlands, close to river springs, while Italians populated the highlands. As a result, the region has a unique blend of German and Italian cultures, reflected in the local architecture and cuisine.
Several small towns resemble German villages from centuries ago, but on a backdrop of luscious subtropical rainforest and araucarias. Many Brazilians in the region still speakGerman, mainly theRiograndenser Hunsrückisch dialect.
In the towns settled by Italian immigrants, wine production is considered an important component of the local culture and vineyards can be seen everywhere. The city ofCaxias do Sul celebrates the region's wine heritage during theFesta da Uva festival. Italian culture is still very strong in the community, and it's not rare to hear locals speaking Northern-ItalianTalian dialect.