Cultural tourism itineraries in Serra Gaúcha (RS-Brazil): Selection and creation of routes and their historical memory appeal

Abstract The road structure of colonial settlement of Serra Gaúcha is examined as a resource for cultural tourism routes. The region, established by European immigration settlement, presents historic features and economic potential defined by its roads. Therefore, the tourist routes are justified by memorial elements from the immigration colonies. This research adopts the historical-genetic method within which the mapping of the road network is done, surveying the pioneering communities in the colonial settlement. It is known that the occupation started on the second quarter of the nineteenth century contributing to the formation of Caxias, Conde d'Eu and Dona Isabel colonies (the first populated places that give rise to the municipalities of Caxias do Sul, Garibaldi and Bento Gonçalves), all in northeastern Rio Grande do Sul. This recognition promotes regional studies, the identification of new forms of appropriation and the recognition of spatial logic, based on the theory of location. Its result enables future identification of cultural tourism resources and its regional structure.