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Ivoti, The City of Flowers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brings Together Historic Half-Timbered Houses, German and Japanese Colonization, Traditional Fairs, and Unique Cultural Landscapes
Ivoti, known as The City of Flowers, is located 55 km from Porto Alegre and has just over 23,000 inhabitants. The municipality preserves historical heritage, cultural tradition, and landscapes marked by German and Japanese immigration in Rio Grande do Sul.
The Origin of The City of Flowers Traces Back to German Immigration in the 19th Century
The formation of The City of Flowers began around 1826, when families from the German region of Hunsrück opened paths in the Arroio Feitoria valley. Among the first residents were two brothers with the surname Berghahn.
The place was initially named Berghanerschneiss, which means Berghahn’s Path. Over time, the area came to be called Bom Jardim, referring to the fertile soil that favored flower cultivation.
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In 1938, a definitive change occurred. The locality was renamed Ivoti, a word derived from the Tupi-Guarani ipoti-catu, which means flower. Political emancipation was officially declared only in 1964.
Even with urban growth, the municipality has preserved the custom of maintaining flowering gardens on sidewalks.
Therefore, the nickname The City of Flowers has become part of the local identity and appears in different aspects of the daily landscape.
The Devil’s Hole Valley Became One of the Most Famous Stories in the Region
Among the curious narratives linked to German colonization is the origin of the name Teufelsloch, popularly known as the Devil’s Hole. The story involves an unexpected encounter between colonists and an anteater.
According to the traditional account, the residents had never seen the animal. Feeling threatened, the anteater stood up and opened its arms, a gesture that startled one of the colonists.
The resident reportedly ran away shouting that he had encountered the devil. The expression “Devil’s Hole” spread and remained associated with the Arroio Feitoria valley.
Today, the location is part of one of the most well-known natural settings on the Romantic Route. The episode continues to be one of the popular stories linked to the region’s memory.
Historical Heritage and Attractions Mark The City of Flowers
Among the main visited points in The City of Flowers is the Emperor’s Bridge. The construction took place between 1857 and 1864 using funds from Dom Pedro II, who allocated 30 contos de réis for the work.
The bridge is 148 meters long with three sandstone arches. The structure was listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute in 1986.
Another highlight is the Half-Timbered Houses Nucleus, formed by buildings constructed with wooden joints, without the use of nails. The area houses the Cláudio Oscar Becker Museum, the Artisan’s House, and the Adoma Brewery.
The Memorial of the Japanese Colony is also part of the itinerary. Inaugurated in 2011, the building has 914 m² and showcases clothing, utensils, and documents from the 26 Japanese families who arrived in the Valley of Palms in 1966.
The Church of St. Peter the Apostle completes the historical circuit. The temple began construction in 1869, was destroyed by a fire in 1924, and was later rebuilt.
Cuisine Blends German and Japanese Traditions in The City
Cuisine is one of the most striking elements of The City of Flowers. Colonial recipes remain present in everyday life, with cucas, roscas, schmier, cream, and honey prepared by local families.
In the Japanese Colony, the fair held on the last Sunday of each month features grilled fish on bamboo, sashimi, and vegetables harvested in the Valley of Palms.
The main gastronomic event in the city is the Honey, Rosca, and Cream Fair. The 18th edition will take place in May 2026 at the Half-Timbered Houses Nucleus and will feature over 80 exhibitors with free entry.
In October, the traditional Flower Fair occurs, celebrating the agricultural vocation that gave the city its name.
Population Data and Location Reinforce The City’s Characteristics
According to data from IBGE, Ivoti has an estimated population of 23,566 people distributed over an area of 63 km². The municipality has an HDI of 0.784.
The schooling rate among children aged 6 to 14 years reaches 100%. The German-Rio Grande dialect is still spoken by part of the population and was recognized as the cultural heritage of the state in 2012.
The economy combines family farming, flower cultivation, footwear industry, and tourism. Colonial fairs, typical bands, and flowering gardens are part of local life.
The City of Flowers is part of the Greater Porto Alegre area but maintains characteristics of the countryside. Access is via BR-116, at km 231 northbound, about 1 hour from the capital.
It’s also possible to travel through the city towards Serra Gaúcha. The route to Picada Café shortens the journey by about 10 km and avoids some of the highway traffic. The nearest airport is Salgado Filho in Porto Alegre.
Amid historic bridges, valleys, and colonial fairs, The City of Flowers brings together distinct cultural elements. Half-timbered houses, memories of immigration, and Japanese traditions comprise the scenery that marks the Gaúcho municipality to this day.
With information from O Antagonista.
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