Description:

The capital of the southern Brazilian state, a city with population of 1,5 million people. It was founded by the Portuguese in 1777 and it is they whom Porto Alegre owes its name: in Portuguese it means “a happy port”. Yet Porto Alegre is solely a river port, its far distance from the ocean determined its destiny. The city started to develop rapidly only in the beginning of the 19th century when german colonizers came here and built here the rail network. Today Porto Alegre is a major industrial and transport centre and plays an important role in the country’s economy. Despite the absence of sea beaches, it still attracts many tourists by his culture and architecture, the most interesting sights are: the Culture Centre Mario Quintana, Sao Pedro Theatre, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Public Market, the City Hall and Riachuelo street, the former gas meters factory, now it is turned into a cultural centre.

Climate

Transport

There is an Salgado Filho International Airport that operates flights from Brazilian cities and neighbouring countries. There is also a developed road and rail network that connects Porto Alegre with other Brazilian cities. One can get around Porto Alegre by bus, taxi or metro that extends up to 42 km.