Holiday in Curitiba

About Curitiba

Curitiba is the capital of the southern Brazilian state of Parana and is considered the most innovative and sustainable large city in Brazil. The city, located on the southern Brazilian plateau (934 m), is globally known for its pioneering public transportation model, green spaces, and exemplary urban planning. The Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) of Curitiba, developed in the 1970s, served as a model for cities worldwide — from Bogota to Istanbul. The tubular bus stations (Estacões Tubo) are iconic landmarks of the city. With 52 square meters of green space per inhabitant, Curitiba has the highest value of all Brazilian large cities. The Jardim Botanico (Botanical Garden) with its glass greenhouse in Art Nouveau style is the city's landmark: Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, it houses tropical and subtropical plants amidst geometrically laid French gardens. The Museu Oscar Niemeyer, designed by the legendary Brazilian architect, is known for its eye-shaped form as Museu do Olho (Eye Museum). The 30-meter-long, cantilevered exhibition space hovers over a mirror pool and hosts changing art and design exhibitions. The Rua XV de Novembro was the first pedestrian zone in Brazil in 1972 and remains the heart of the city center. The Mercado Municipal offers specialties from European immigrants: Polish, German, Italian, and Ukrainian cuisine reflect Curitiba's multicultural history. The Serra do Mar, the steep slope to the sea, offers one of the most spectacular train routes in Brazil: The Serra Verde Express travels through 14 tunnels and over 30 bridges down to Morretes and Paranagua.