5 Hidden Gems Things to do in Nova Petropolis That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By Eulenspeegel - San Antonio de Pereira, Colombia

Our first visit to the "Park of the Silent Stone Statues" went straight to the heart!Neither my wife nor I have ever seen an art exhibition like the sandstone statues that silently tell the story of the German immigrants who fled war-torn Europe 150 - 200 years ago. The park is simply amazing! As a German-American son of a German immigrant, the story told by the silent statues cause me to get a lump in my throat. Our guide, Diego, got us oriented and started down the trail of Brazilian-German history. He did an excellent job fielding our many questions. The park recently opened its gates in 2012. The park is the brainchild of a Brazilian-German stalwart in the Nova Petropolis community by the name of Valmor Heckler. Mr. Heckler's ancestors settled in the beautiful countryside just east of the town 5 generations ago. The Heckler Family has been there ever since. I was fortunate enough to chat with Valmor. We chatted in German, and he recounted the story of his family, the trials and tribulations of the German immigrants as well as their successes and triumphs in the New World. Our new friend and guide, Diego, is planning travel to the home of his ancestors to study German. We wish him the best of luck, and know he will succeed in his endeavors. The park consists of several acres of well-manicured property. Mr. Heckler commissioned a pair of local artists who sculpted the silent story in sandstone giving the stone images a rich, dignified presence throughout the park. Upon entering the park, Diego had my wife and I pose on the "Mom and Pop" statue with cut-outs for the heads of the park's guests. We then proceeded down the trail to the first group of statues which told the collective story of the German immigrants who left Europe because of the Napoleonic Wars and its aftermath. The statues answer the questions of Who? What? Why? Where? and When? The one image which really got to us was a family splitting up and saying good-bye to each other before the long voyage to South America. It's obvious that the artists crafted their statues with hearts full of empathy and admiration gor the immigrants. The second grouping of statues represent the various craftsmen and professionals who got the early settlements started, developed them and created the cornerstone of modern business and industry in Riogrande do Sul. The third collection of statures depict the various leaders of agriculture, education, government, business and science who left an indelible mark on the region. Once leaving the "Hall of Fame"....the trail leads you to an open area of the park. The statues here depict the everyday life of the German immigrants including their mutually beneficial relationship with the indigenous populations, work, recreation, devotion and of course, the Family. As the walking tour comes to an end, an 18-foot high statue of the German Family sends you on your way. On our way out of the park, we stopped in a barn-like structure to view a large collection of antique accordions from abroad and local craftsmen. I left Esculturas Parque Pedras do Silencio even prouder of my German heritage than when I went in. Please put this park on your bucket list of things to do on your Romantic Route "bucket list." I highly recommend it! Even though we took 4 hours to tour the park, 2-3 hours would do for most people.