9 Best Sights in The South, Brazil

Although its construction began in 1921, this cathedral wasn't fully 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.

This stately building, constructed in 1927–32 and the former headquarters of various banks, is now owned by Banco Santander, which has transformed it into a cultural center and gallery. 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.

Built to house the post-office headquarters at the turn of the 20th century, this building was declared a national architectural landmark in 1981. It now houses a state museum. Although the overall style is neoclassical, German baroque influences are strong; 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 the second floor houses one of the country's largest collections of documents and manuscripts about Brazilian society.

Constructed in 1869, the neoclassical Public Market 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 With these changes, some of the produce stalls have been replaced by souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants, taking away a bit of the boisterous bazaar ambience but increasing the options for visitors. One of the best restaurants in the city, Gambrinus, is here.

At this art museum housed in the old, neoclassical customs building you can also see paintings, sculptures, and drawings by gaúcho and other Brazilian artists. Stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in the museum's bistro.

The small Júlio de Castilhos Museum is the oldest in the state. On display is an impressive collection of gaúcho documents, firearms, clothing, and household utensils. The home belonged to Governor Julio de Castilhos, who lived here at the turn of the 20th century, before the Palácio Piratini was built.

The Roman columns of the stately governor's mansion 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.

Where the Rio Guaíba flows into Lagoa dos Patos, 57 km (35 miles) south of Porto Alegre, Itapoã State Park protects 12,000 acres of granitic hills and sandy beaches. Although the infrastructure is minimal, visitors can bathe in the river, walk along marked trails, and watch magnificent sunsets. Rare cacti, bands of bugios (howler monkeys), and a century-old lighthouse round out the list of park highlights.