The Estação Ferroviária União was completed in the Art Deco style in 1941; Morro do Cristo offers a privileged view of União Da Vitória and Porto União. These two destinations appeal to different interests: architectural heritage and views. They are complemented by Ukrainian traditions, a boat trip with a historical focus, and an open-air museum about settlement along the Rio Iguaçu.
Art Deco and a station that connects
The Estação Ferroviária União is a single building with a clear point of reference: the year it was completed, 1941. At the station, a pedestrian tunnel connects the two cities. The Art Deco area also includes several other buildings built in this style. Architecture enthusiasts can therefore choose between a distinctive station and an area with several buildings as different points of interest. In addition to its style, the station also serves a structural function by connecting the cities.
Ukrainian culture in the square and along the cultural route
Praça da Ucrânia is home to a statue honoring Tarás Schevtchenko, erected as a tribute by the Ukrainian community. Ceremonial sessions are also held in the square every year on August 24. They commemorate Ukraine’s independence, the Day of the Ukrainian Community in Brazil, the Day of the Ukrainian Community in Paraná, and the Day of Ukrainian Immigration in Santa Catarina. If these sessions are the reason for your trip, it is best to check the program for the relevant date, as the specific arrangements may vary in the future.
The Ukrainian Cultural Route offers another way to engage with the tradition: visitors can take part in a Pêssanka workshop. A traditional Ukrainian dinner is optionally included in the program, featuring dishes such as Bórsch, Varêneke or Perohê, Holubsti and Kutiá. The dishes may vary. The options range from remembrance in the square, to hands-on creative activities, to Ukrainian cuisine.
Views, steps and a large park
From Morro do Cristo, visitors can enjoy a privileged view of União Da Vitória and Porto União. Access is via a staircase with 219 steps. Keep this number in mind when planning a visit to the viewpoint. Another notable statue is the Estátua do Sagrado Coração de Jesus: it is 27 meters high and stands on a six-meter-high pedestal. There is a chapel inside the pedestal. The height of the statue and the height of its pedestal are two separate measurements.
Parque Ambiental Caminhos do Iguaçu covers 900,000 square meters. Unlike Morro do Cristo, which is defined by its views and staircase, the park is notable for its size. The two places therefore offer different points of reference when choosing: a viewpoint with a staircase whose number of steps is specified, or a park with an extensive overall area.
History on the Rio Iguaçu
Parque Histórico Iguassú is an open-air museum dedicated to the history of settlement along the Rio Iguaçu valley. It recreates an immigrant village with restored, hundred-year-old wooden houses. The site is 29 kilometers from downtown União Da Vitória; visits must be booked in advance. Both the distance and the booking should therefore be taken into account when planning a museum visit.
In União Da Vitória, Parque Histórico Iguassú also runs the Passeio de Barco Interpontes boat trip. Participants can learn about the history of the Rio Iguaçu and the region. The trip focuses on the river and its history, while the open-air museum centers on settlement in the valley and the recreated village. Regional history can thus be experienced in two different ways: as a boat trip in União Da Vitória and as an open-air museum 29 kilometers from downtown.
Discover more destinations: Quatro Barras, Verê, Jataizinho, Campo Largo, General Carneiro, Ponta Grossa, Ribeirão Claro, Quedas Do Iguaçu.
For the broader travel overview: Paraná.
