Caminhos de Pedra: Brazil's Italian Stone Paths

Caminhos de Pedra is a 12-kilometer rural route in Bento Gonçalves, Brazil, where 19th-century Italian immigrants built houses from basalt stone. The route functions as an open-air museum with no entry fee — you pay only for individual attractions, such as Casa da Memória Merlin (R$ 25–30 per person). Located in the São Pedro district, it's about 20 minutes by car from downtown Bento Gonçalves.

Getting There and Orientation

The route starts at Casa da Memória Merlin on Estrada Joaquim Cantelli, in the Linha Palmeiro area. If you're driving from Gramado, allow roughly 2 hours for the 100-kilometer trip. From Bento Gonçalves center, it's a quick 20-minute drive. The main access is via Estrada do Barracão (Linha Palmeiro) or RS-448 if you're coming from Caxias do Sul.

Public transportation is limited. A few bus lines reach the district, but schedules are sparse and stops are not always near the attractions. Most visitors arrive by car or join a guided tour. Tours typically include round-trip transport from Bento Gonçalves or Gramado, a guide, and admission to selected attractions; prices start around R$ 400 per person for a 4-hour tour. Private tours by car are also available and can be customized.

Parking at the main attractions is generally free and signposted. Roads are paved but narrow in places, with occasional steep sections. If you're self-driving, a compact car is fine — no 4x4 needed.

Best Time to Visit

The route is open year-round, but two periods stand out. Grape harvest (vindima) runs from January to March, when wineries host tastings and the traditional grape stomp. It's high season — busier and pricier. Winter (June to August) brings cold, misty mornings and a cozy atmosphere; it's also peak season thanks to school holidays, so book ahead. For fewer crowds, consider September and October, when the Flores de Pedra event takes place. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Rain is common in winter and spring, but most attractions have covered areas — outdoor parks like Parque da Ovelha are less enjoyable in wet weather.

How Long to Allow

A half-day (4 hours) covers the main highlights: Casa da Memória Merlin, one winery, and a colonial lunch. To explore without rushing — including Parque da Ovelha, a craft workshop, and two or three wineries — plan a full day, around 6 to 8 hours. The route is 12 kilometers end to end, but attractions are spread out; driving between stops is part of the experience.

What to See and Do

The route preserves the largest collection of Italian colonial stone architecture in Brazil. Houses built from stacked basalt blocks, some over a century old, now operate as wineries, restaurants, craft shops, and small museums. The architectural style — thick stone walls, wooden beams, and arched doorways — reflects the techniques brought by immigrants from the Veneto and Belluno regions in the late 1800s.

Casa da Memória Merlin

This restored stone house is the starting point and the only attraction with a mandatory guided visit (45 minutes). Guides explain the construction techniques and family history. Entrance costs R$ 25–30 per person; groups over 15 need advance booking. It's a good orientation before exploring the rest of the route — I'd recommend doing this first, as it adds context to everything else.

Wineries and Canteens

Family-run wineries along the route offer tastings of wine, grape juice, grappa, and liqueurs. Cantina Strapazzon and Salvatti e Sirena are two popular stops. Tastings are usually included in the tour price if you're on a guided tour; independent travelers pay per tasting, typically R$ 30–50. The wines here tend to be small-batch and sold only on-site — a contrast to the larger labels from Vale dos Vinhedos.

Parque da Ovelha

A sheep farm with a petting area, pony rides, and sheepdog demonstrations. It's aimed at families with children, but adults may enjoy the cheese and wool products sold on-site. Entry costs around R$ 40 per adult. Check opening hours — it's usually open daily from 9am to 5pm, but can close earlier in low season.

Gastronomy and Crafts

Several restaurants serve colonial Italian food — polenta, galeto (grilled chicken), homemade pasta, and salami. Lunch is typically served from 11:30am to 2pm, and some places stop serving by 3pm. A typical lunch costs R$ 60–90 per person. Artisan shops sell ceramics, woven textiles, and woodwork; many are cash-only, so carry some reais.

Practical Details and Tips

Opening hours vary by attraction. Most houses open from 10am to 4pm or 5pm, but some close on Mondays. Casa da Memória Merlin, for example, is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Always confirm with the official Caminhos de Pedra association before setting out, especially on weekdays — hours can change with the season.

Admission is not a single ticket; each establishment charges separately. As of late 2026, Casa da Memória Merlin charges R$ 30, Parque da Ovelha around R$ 40, and winery tastings R$ 30–50. Fees are subject to change — check the official site for current rates.

No advance booking is needed for most attractions, except for groups over 15 at Casa da Memória Merlin and guided tours, which should be reserved at least 2 days ahead. Bring cash for small purchases and tastings; not all places accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes — some paths are uneven cobblestone.

If you're driving, fill up before leaving Bento Gonçalves; there are no gas stations along the route. Cell signal is decent but spotty in valleys. A paper map or offline Google Maps is handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Caminhos de Pedra?

No, the route itself is a public road with no entry fee. You pay only at individual attractions: Casa da Memória Merlin costs R$ 25–30, Parque da Ovelha about R$ 40, and winery tastings R$ 30–50. Guided tours include some admissions but not all.

Can I visit without a car?

Public buses run from Bento Gonçalves to São Pedro district, but schedules are infrequent and stops are far from the main attractions. The practical option is a guided tour with transport included, starting at around R$ 400 per person for 4 hours. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available but expensive for a round trip.

What are the opening hours?

Most attractions open from 10am to 4pm or 5pm, but days vary. Casa da Memória Merlin is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Some wineries close on Mondays. Hours can change seasonally, so check the official Caminhos de Pedra website or call ahead.

How long does it take to see everything?

A half-day (4 hours) covers the highlights. For a thorough visit including a sit-down lunch, Parque da Ovelha, and two wineries, allow 6 to 8 hours. The route is 12 kilometers long, but driving between stops adds time.

What's the best time of year to go?

January to March is grape harvest, with lively events but larger crowds. June to August is winter, popular for cozy wine tastings but also busy during school holidays. September and October offer milder weather and fewer visitors, making them a good choice for a relaxed visit.