Monumento Nacional ao Imigrante

The Monumento Nacional ao Imigrante in Caxias do Sul features a large bronze sculpture of a farming couple with their child positioned before an obelisk decorated with symbolic reliefs. A crypt beneath houses the Immigrant Museum, displaying exhibitions about immigration history and the region's cultural heritage.

The cornerstone was laid in 1950 by President Eurico Gaspar Dutra, and construction was completed in 1954 with the inauguration by President Getúlio Vargas. The project emerged during a period when Brazil was solidifying its identity as a multicultural nation.

The monument became a symbol honoring all ethnic groups who shaped Brazil through a 1953 law, moving beyond its initial focus on Italian immigrants. The reliefs visible on the structure represent these diverse contributions to society.

The monument sits in a large plaza within the city and is easily accessible on foot with plenty of space to walk around and take photos. Access to the underground crypt involves descending stairs, so visitors should be prepared for uneven steps.

The bronze door of the crypt features a portrayal of Luiz Antônio Feijó Júnior welcoming immigrants, a detail that many visitors miss. The marble walls were donated by the Italian government as a gift, reflecting the strong connection between the two countries.