Curitiba Landmarks and Monuments

(Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil)

Although there are a number of interesting and very noteworthy landmarks to be found standing within Curitiba, it is the Catedral Basilica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Luz (Basilica Cathedral Minor of Our Lady of Light) that is without question the most important. The cathedral stands on the Praca Tiradentes (Tiradentes Square), which forms the main public plaza in Curitiba and is actually the birthplace of the city, being currently used as a popular meeting point and transport hub.

Located close to the Praca Tiradentes, the Largo da Ordem is the old colonial heart of Curitiba. Many beautifully restored landmarks stand within the Largo da Ordem, where they line the cobblestone streets and today house attractions such as coffee shops and art galleries.

Torre Panoramica / Torre Merces (Panoramic Tower / Merces Tower)

Address: Rua Prof Lycio Grein de Castro Vellozo 191, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 041 3339 7613
For the very best views of the Curitiba cityscape, the Torre Panoramica is the place to come. This towering landmark measures approximately 110 metres / 360 feet in height and has its own observation deck, being constructed in the early 1990s, when the telecommunications sector was privatized. The unobstructed views stretch for literally miles, while the small onsite Telephone Museum adds further interest. Those wishing to pay a visit to the Torre Panoramica will find it located on the Rua Prof Lycio Grein de Castro Vellozo, just 2 km / 1.5 miles to the west of the Largo da Ordem, being well connected by regular Tourist Line (Linho Turismo) buses.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Universidade Federal do Paraná (Federal University of Paraná)

Address: Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 041 3360 5000
Now ranking amongst Brazil's most historic universities, the Universidade Federal do Paraná was founded in 1912, when it was formerly known as the Universidade do Paraná (University of Paraná). Today the university is home to more than 30,000 students and a staff of almost 4,000. The oldest and easily the most impressive neoclassical buildings are based around the Praca Santos Andrade, with others spreading along the adjacent Rua 15 de Novembro, Rua Alfredo Bufren and Rua Presidente Faria.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Catedral Basilica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Luz (Basilica Cathedral Minor of Our Lady of Light)

Address: Praca Tiradentes, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, BR
Dominating the centrally located Praca Tiradentes, the Catedral Basilica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Luz stands in the heart of the city, on the exact spot where in 1693, the very first Catholic church in the city was built. Construction of the Basilica Cathedral began in 1876 and lasted 17 years. The front is flanked by two tall bell towers and has some elaborate stone carvings. Sadly the interior has lost much of its original character, although it still retains various interesting details and statues.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested

Opera de Arame (Wire Opera House)

Address: Parque das Pedreiras, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, BR
An especially famous and much-loved local landmark, the Opera de Arame is located within the Parque das Pedreiras, where previously a small rock quarry stood. The Wire Opera House was built in 1992 and took just 75 days to complete, being named after its unusual tubular structure of metal pipes. Partially surrounded by a large lake, the venue regularly stages events and has an overall capacity of more than 2,000 spectators, although numbers are now limited to 1,000 people, to ensure that the structure is preserved. The Pedreira Paulo Leminski (Quarry Leminski Paul) playhouse is nearby and often works closely with the Opera de Arame during major events.
Open hours: daily - hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge for some performances

Memorial Arabe (Arab Memorial)

Address: Rua Doutor Claudino dos Santos, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, BR
An unusual modern memorial dedicated to the Middle-Eastern culture, the Memorial Arabe is situated on the Rua Doutor Claudino dos Santos, next to the Praca Gibran Khalil, and actually functions as a library. The cube-shaped structure itself is very simplistic and bright red in colour, with stained-glass windows, columns, arches and a sculpture of acclaimed Lebanese-American poet and writer, Khalil Gibran (1883 to 1931). Appearing to have the character of Moorish architecture, the Arab Memorial stands alongside a reflecting pool and a large palm tree.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Fountains

Address: Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, BR
Various fountains are spread around the city, providing centrepieces to public squares and parks. Located on the Avenida Sete de Setembro, the Jerusalem Fountain celebrates the history of Jerusalem and stands at just under 15 metres / 49 feet in height, being crowned by three bronze angels. At the Praca Garibaldi, the Memory Fountain features a large bronze horse's head and is dedicated to the historic colonial immigrants, who once came here with their horse and carts, to sell their farm produce. On the Praca Generoso Marques, the Maria Lata d'Agua Fountain is another notable landmark, while at the intersection of the Alameda Cabral and the Rua Cruz Machado, the Mocinhas da Cidade Fountain remembers the accomplished 1950s country music duo from Brazil, Nho Belarmino and Nhá Gabriela.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free