World Cup Brazil city guide: Porto Alegre

BBC Brazil's Camilla Costa offers an insider's view of the 12 cities hosting matches in this year's Fifa World Cup tournament.

Originally a Spanish territory conquered by the Portuguese, Porto Alegre's, external growth began when couples were encouraged to leave their homes in the Azores to boost the city's population.

Over the years, it has also welcomed many European immigrants.

Even though it has its share of urban problems, Porto Alegre is considered one of Brazil's best regional capitals to live in.

It is also where you'll find true winter: the temperature can can drop to -3C (27F) in June.

The renovation of Sport Club Internacional's home - Stadium Beira-Rio, external - has been marked by problems.

After facing delays and strikes, its budget increased to 154% over the original estimate.

The local government also had to pay for the last-minute installation of some temporary structures for the World Cup, two months before the tournament.

If you're familiar with the southern tradition of churrasco, or barbecue, know that in Porto Alegre, the love for all kinds of barbecued meat is not restricted to steakhouses.

Most bars also serve delicious sandwiches of chicken heart - one of the city's most famous snacks.

Porto Alegre's most common souvenir is a kit to prepare chimarrao, the traditional South American drink made from yerbe mate, which is a type of holly.