Blumenau, German heritage city in Santa Catarina, Brazil
This city stretches along the banks of the Itajaí River in eastern Santa Catarina. Streets follow the curves of the waterway, and several bridges connect different parts of town.
Hermann Blumenau founded the settlement on September 2, 1850, with seventeen German immigrants. Later groups arrived from Europe and developed agriculture and crafts in the region.
The city carries the influence of its German settlers in the architecture of many buildings and restaurants spread across several districts. Local bakeries bake strudel and cakes following old recipes, and many signs display bilingual labels.
The Ministro Victor Konder International Airport in Navegantes lies about 19 miles (30 km) away, and buses run regularly to the center. Streets can get slippery during rain, so walking carefully in wet weather helps.
The local textile industry produces a large share of Brazil's cotton towels. This production has shaped the economy and the cityscape for decades.
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