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Antônio Prado, in the Serra Gaúcha, is Recognized by UN Tourism for Sustainable Tourism and Preservation of Italian Immigration.
The municipality of Antônio Prado, in the Serra Gaúcha, has been recognized by UN Tourism as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the World in 2025, becoming the only Brazilian city selected among 270 applications from 65 countries.
The announcement was made last week during a ceremony held in Huzhou, China, and highlighted the Gaucho municipality for its practices in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and social inclusion.
The recognition comes in the same year that Rio Grande do Sul celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italian immigration, a central element of local identity.
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With just over 13,000 residents and located about 180 kilometers from Porto Alegre, Antônio Prado joins a select group of 52 villages awarded globally in this edition of the Best Tourism Villages program.
The initiative evaluates small destinations that can align economic development with the care for historical and environmental heritage.
Why Antônio Prado Stood Out in the UN Tourism Evaluation
The Best Tourism Villages program is entering its fifth edition in 2025 and uses strict criteria for the selection of destinations.
Among these are environmental sustainability, appreciation of local culture, innovation in public policies, and positive impact on the community.
In this context, Antônio Prado stood out for adopting a sustainable tourism model that preserves its historical characteristics while generating income, jobs, and opportunities for residents.
Additionally, the municipality has invested in promoting cultural, gastronomic, and rural tourism, strengthening its identity without losing it.
The Most Italian City in Brazil and Its Preserved Heritage
Founded in 1886, Antônio Prado houses the largest architectural ensemble of Italian immigration in Brazil.
The historic center preserves between 47 and 48 buildings listed by IPHAN, with wooden and stone constructions that directly evoke northern Italy.
The narrow streets, flowered balconies, and colorful facades create a unique setting in the country.
This care for heritage not only keeps the memory of immigrants alive but has also become one of the main tourist attractions of the city, drawing visitors interested in history, culture, and authenticity.
Events That Keep the Tradition of Italian Immigration Alive
The culture inherited from Italian immigrants goes beyond architecture and is strongly manifested in gastronomy and popular celebrations.
Throughout the year, Antônio Prado hosts events that reinforce this historical bond and attract tourists from different regions of Brazil.
Among the main highlights is the National Pasta Festival (FenaMassa), held in November, considered the largest pasta festival in the region and which gathers more than 50,000 visitors.
Additionally, the traditional Italian Night, maintained since 1980, celebrates typical recipes and family customs preserved for generations.
Another relevant event is the Vino in Piazza, which features wineries, music, and typical Italian cuisine, strengthening the relationship between sustainable tourism.
Brazil Expands Presence in the International Tourism Scene
In addition to Antônio Prado, seven other Brazilian localities reached the final stage of the UN Tourism award in 2025.
Among them are Cocanha, in São Paulo, as well as Conceição do Ibitipoca, Delfinópolis, Grão Mogol, and Tiradentes, in Minas Gerais, and Leoberto Leal and Piraí, in Santa Catarina.
This is only the second time that Brazil appears among the global highlights of the program.
Recognition Reinforces Brazilian Tourism Potential
Then in 2025, Brazil also received another important international recognition.
In the case of Antônio Prado, the UN Tourism seal consolidates the municipality as a reference in sustainable tourism and preservation of the heritage of Italian immigration.
The international recognition is expected to increase the city’s visibility, attract new visitors, and further strengthen the local economy.
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