Historical Rescue and Touristic Potential of the old Leopoldina Railway in Alegre/ES

Abstract

The preservation of old railways not only reveals aspects of the past but also strengthens the connection between cultural heritage and regional development. The study aimed to recover the historical and cultural memory of the old Leopoldina Railway, focusing on the section in Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Research was conducted at the Historical and Geographical Institutes of the municipality, state, and country with the aim of gathering documents related to the historical and cultural aspects associated with the Leopoldina Railway. Fieldwork was carried out to identify, georeference, and photograph the railway segments present in the mentioned section. A map of the Leopoldina Railway section was created using Geographic Information Systems, identifying its length, elevation changes, and location of the railway segments. The study identified eight segments in the studied section: Rive Station (demolished), Alegre Station, Celina Station, Vale do Crisciúma Tunnel, Triunfo Tunnel, Monte Belo Tunnel, and two viaducts. These railway segments were found to have significant heritage value and tourism potential, contributing to historical and cultural preservation. Urban planning and valorization studies for these segments are recommended to conserve and protect the historical and cultural heritage of the Leopoldina Railway in Alegre and the surrounding region.