Foz do Iguaçu is known around the world for its spectacular waterfalls and as a hub of multicultural exchange.

Some years ago I decided to spend some months in South America and visited Foz do Iguaçu from the neighboring side. You can read more about my travels here on my blog in German.

But beyond its natural beauty and tourist hotspots, the city hides a small but meaningful monument to Austrian heritage: a replica of Graz’s Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, located in the unique neighborhood of Cognópolis.

A Graz Icon in South America

The original Uhrturm stands proudly here, on the Schlossberg hill. It’s one of our city’s most iconic landmarks, with its distinctive clock face and panoramic view over Graz’s red rooftops. For locals, it symbolizes time, tradition, and identity.

It’s no coincidence that a replica of this beloved tower now stands on Brazilian soil. It was built in the 1980s by Franz Kohlenberger, an Austrian from Graz who immigrated to Brazil and became an important figure in Foz do Iguaçu’s community. Kohlenberger first arrived in 1955 as a tourist and, like many, fell in love with the region’s beauty and cultural energy.

From Graz to Foz: The Journey of Franz Kohlenberger

Franz Kohlenberger’s story is one of deep connection between two countries. After arriving in Brazil, he settled in Foz do Iguaçu, where he worked at the legendary Hotel das Cataratas. He became a local businessman, invested in the city, and eventually received the title of Honorary Citizen of Foz do Iguaçu for his contributions to the community (AMAC Foz).

The replica of the Uhrturm was his way of expressing gratitude to both his homeland and his new home. As noted by Stadt Graz in an article titled “Ein Stück Graz in Brasilien”, the tower in Foz is not just a copy—it’s a symbol of friendship, memory, and intercultural dialogue (Stadt Graz).

A Life Remembered in Print

Kohlenberger’s legacy has been formally documented in the biography “O Homem das Cataratas” (“The Man of the Waterfalls”), co-authored by Analice Kohlenberger and Ezídio Oro Junior. The book traces his journey from Graz to Foz, highlighting his personal achievements, cultural impact, and love for both cities. According to a feature on UC Socioambiental, the biography was launched as part of an effort to celebrate immigrants’ influence on Brazilian society (UC Socioambiental).

A Poetic Reminder

In a city like Foz do Iguaçu—where cultures, borders, and people constantly meet—the Brasilien Uhrturm stands as a poetic reminder that home is not always a place, but a story we carry and share.

Through Franz Kohlenberger’s life and vision, this small clock tower becomes much more than an architectural replica: it becomes a symbol of belonging, memory, and gratitude.

For anyone passing by, it offers a moment to pause and reflect—not just on where we are, but on everything that brought us here.