Novo Hamburgo, Industrial metropolis in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Novo Hamburgo is a large city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where residential neighborhoods alternate with commercial districts and green spaces. Buildings range from older German-style houses to modern factory complexes, while several waterways cross through the landscape.
Settlers from Germany founded the place in 1832 when they established themselves in the region. Almost a century later, in 1927, the community became independent and quickly developed into a center for the footwear industry.
The city takes its name from Hamburg, the home of many early settlers whose descendants still celebrate traditional festivals today. Streets are lined with half-timbered houses, while workshops continue crafting leather goods using techniques passed down through generations.
Visitors exploring the city find numerous bus lines connecting neighborhoods and reaching surrounding towns. A drive through the center is worthwhile, where shops, museums and small parks invite a walk around.
Several shoe factories offer guided tours where visitors can follow the process from leather to finished shoe. In some workshops you can even try your hand at working a small piece of leather yourself.
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