São Pedro de Alcântara – History and Culture

A waterfall in the Atlantic Forest, a protected section of the Caminho Imperial and a history dating back to the German immigrants of the 19th century: São Pedro de Alcântara brings together different facets of the municipality. Culture, religious memorial sites and local traditions lend the trip their own character, as does the nature surrounding Cachoeira do Salto.

Following the Settlement’s History

São Pedro de Alcântara was founded in 1829 by German immigrants, most of whom came from Hunsrück and the Eifel, and is considered the oldest German colony in the state of Santa Catarina. The settlement was established on 1 March 1829 along the Caminho das Tropas. German immigrants called this route the Kaiserlicherweg or Caminho Imperial; it is dated to 1789. These different dates relate to different stages in the area’s history: 1789 for the route and 1829 for the founding of the settlement.

At the municipal seat, a section of the Caminho Imperial about 700 metres long is protected as municipal heritage. It includes stretches paved with “Pé de moleque,” a style characteristic of the imperial period, laid by enslaved people. The history of the route therefore encompasses not only the founding of the settlement, but also the labour of the people who helped build it.

Culture and Architecture

The Casa da Cultura also serves as the Centro de Atendimento ao Turista. There, you can get information about attractions, events, gastronomy, accommodation, services and routes in the municipality. The Sala Alemanha focuses on the history and culture of German immigrants and their contributions to the founding of São Pedro de Alcântara. The Hunsrük language, of Germanic origin, is also part of the municipality’s historical and cultural heritage.

Another protected building is located in Santa Filomena: the Casarão Kretzer was built in 1920 in an eclectic style, to a design by German architect Oskar Von Blumenstri. It is part of an architectural complex and has been protected as state heritage of Santa Catarina since Decree No. 5979 of 5 December 2002. The complex also includes the Mosaico de Santa Filomena, created by Rodrigo de Haro and Idésio Leal, depicting the life and martyrdom of Saint Filomena.

Local Cuisine and Living Traditions

Recheio de São Pedro de Alcântara is also known as Recheio Alemão, Recheio de Galinha, Filz and Saco de Velho. This traditional dish of Santa Catarina’s first German colony was declared intangible heritage of São Pedro de Alcântara under Law No. 704 of 11 September 2012. It is a distinctive expression of local heritage and something to discover as you explore the area’s history and cuisine.

The Santuário Bom Jesus da Santa Cruz is part of the area’s religious history. It was solemnly inaugurated and consecrated on 13 May 1988, the centenary of the abolition of slavery in Brazil. The mortal remains of Tio Marco were moved to a grave in front of the Santuário. For many people, the grave became a symbol of devotion and remembrance; Tio Marco was not canonised.

The traditional Festa de Santo Isidoro e São Cristóvão, also called Festa do Colono e do Motorista, has been held in July for 62 years. It features local cuisine, a parade of ox carts and small tractors, the sale of agricultural products to visitors, and the blessing of vehicles. The Festa do Padroeiro São Pedro de Alcântara takes place on the Sunday closest to 19 October, the feast day of Saint São Pedro de Alcântara.

Nature and Getting There

Cachoeira do Salto is located in the Atlantic Forest at the municipal seat of São Pedro de Alcântara. Another destination with a different character is Recanto das Pedras, a nature-based recreational area with a water park and facilities for holding events. Whether you would rather focus your stay on culture and local history or on nature and recreation, you can take these different priorities into account when choosing your holiday rental.

The SC-281 provides road access to São Pedro de Alcântara; it begins on the BR-101 side, at the entrance beside Continente Shopping in São José. The São Pedro de Alcântara–Florianópolis bus departs from TICEN central bus station in Florianópolis. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. In the centre of São Pedro de Alcântara, Gruta Nossa Senhora de Fátima, on Rua João Pering, is listed as a public place with free access.

Discover more destinations: Arroio Trinta, Canelinha, Urupema, Bocaina do Sul, Turvo, Meleiro, Imaruí and Guaraciaba.

See the full travel guide: Santa Catarina.