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Praça dos Cristais: Brasília's Crystalline Gem

Discover Brasília's Praça dos Cristais: A stunning plaza with crystal architecture, serene gardens, and a unique blend of nature and urban design.

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Praça dos Cristais (Crystal Plaza) is a captivating plaza in Brasília, Brazil, known for its unique crystal-like concrete sculptures designed by Roberto Burle Marx and Haruyoshi Ono. This geometric, triangular park offers a serene escape with reflecting pools and gardens showcasing the region's biodiversity.

A brief summary to Praça dos Cristais

  • Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU, Brasilia, Brasília, Federal District, BR
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting, as the setting sun reflects beautifully off the crystal structures.
  • Check for local events or exhibitions, as the plaza often hosts cultural activities.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy the serene atmosphere and lush greenery.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the large plaza and gardens.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Quartel General do Exército and the Teatro Pedro Calmon.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are staying nearby, Praça dos Cristais is easily accessible by foot. From a major landmark like the Palácio da Alvorada, head south towards the Praça Duque de Caxias. Follow the pathways, and you will see signs directing you to Praça dos Cristais. The walk should take around 20-30 minutes depending on your pace.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Praça dos Cristais via public transport, look for bus lines that go towards SMU. From the Plano Piloto Bus Station, several bus lines serve the area. Alight at the nearest bus stop to Praça Duque de Caxias and walk approximately 10 minutes to reach the plaza. Bus fares range from R$ 2.70 to R$ 5.54 for a one-way trip.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Using a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber is a convenient option. Simply enter 'Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU - Brasília, DF' as your destination. The fare will depend on your starting location, but expect to pay between R$30 and R$50 for the trip. This is often the quickest way to reach the plaza.

  • Car

    If you’re traveling by car, head towards Praça Duque de Caxias, located in the SMU neighborhood of Brasília. From central Pampas, take the BR-060 highway heading towards Brasília. Follow the signs for the city center, then take the exit for SMU. Continue straight until you reach Praça Duque de Caxias. Street parking is usually available; however, be aware of any parking fees that may apply, ranging from R$2 to R$5 per hour.

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Discover more about Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais, also known as Praça Cívica, is a modernist landscape architecture masterpiece located in Brasília's Setor Militar Urbano. Designed by the renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and his assistant Haruyoshi Ono, the plaza draws inspiration from the rock crystals of Cristalina, Goiás. Inaugurated in 1970, after five years of construction, the park covers 102,000 square meters. The park's design mimics natural crystal formations through geometric concrete sculptures, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urban development. A large reflecting pool and lush gardens, originally home to 53 plant species native to the Cerrado biome, enhance the plaza's tranquil atmosphere. The reflecting pools have been restored and now feature fish and lighting for nighttime visits, and military patrols ensure safety. Praça dos Cristais is more than just a visual attraction; it's a place for cultural events and relaxation. It provides a peaceful retreat from the city, ideal for strolls, picnics, and admiring the art.

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