Porto Alegre tourist information

Porto Alegre, one of the largest cities in Brazil, is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul State. Population: 1,416,000 (2004). Metropolitan area: 3,500,000. The 4th largest of Brazil and about the 10th in South America.

The city is located at a delta resulting from the conjunction of five rivers, forming Guaíba Lake (however, it is popularly known as a river too). Although its origins date from the mid-1700s, when immigrants from the Azores settled in the area, the city was officially established in 1809.

Before this, Porto Alegre was the port of Viamão on the shore of Guaíba Lake. Its ancient name was Porto dos Casais, and it was initially settled by Azorians. Many families of settlers also came from the city of Rio Grande in the littoral Lagunar region, to the south, a military fortress at that time. Today that city is most important port of Rio Grande do Sul state.

Lonely Planet City and Country Guides^{(external sources)}