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Praça dos Cristais: Brasília's Crystalline Oasis

Discover Brasília's hidden gem: Praça dos Cristais, a modernist landscape with crystal sculptures, reflecting pools, and serene gardens.

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Praça dos Cristais (Crystals Square), also known as Praça Cívica, is a modernist landscape architecture masterpiece in Brasília, Brazil, designed by Roberto Burle Marx and Haruyoshi Ono. Inspired by rock crystals from Cristalina, Goiás, the park features geometric concrete sculptures, a reflecting pool, and gardens with native Cerrado plants, offering a serene retreat.

A brief summary to Praça dos Cristais

  • Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU, Brasilia, Brasília, Federal District, BR
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to stroll around the park and explore its various features.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated while enjoying the outdoors.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to see the crystal sculptures illuminated by the setting sun.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, go to the Rodoviária do Plano Piloto bus terminal. Take a bus towards 'SMU' or 'Praça Duque de Caxias'. Buses are frequent, arriving every 10-15 minutes, and the journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Get off at the 'Praça Duque de Caxias' stop, a short walk from Praça dos Cristais. A one-way ticket costs around R$5.54.

  • Ride-sharing

    Use a ride-sharing app like Uber or 99 and enter 'Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU - Brasília, DF' as your destination. The ride takes approximately 15-25 minutes from central locations, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between R$30 and R$50. App-based cars usually have reserved parking spaces at malls and the airport.

  • Walking

    If you're nearby, Praça dos Cristais is easily accessible on foot. From a major landmark like Palácio da Alvorada, head south towards Praça Duque de Caxias. Follow the pathways with signs to Praça dos Cristais. The walk should take about 20-30 minutes.

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Discover more about Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais, or Crystals Square, is a captivating public space in Brasília, epitomizing the city's blend of modern architecture and natural beauty. Officially named Praça Cívica, it's best known for its crystal-shaped concrete sculptures that adorn a large reflecting pool. Designed by the renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and his assistant Haruyoshi Ono, the park was inaugurated in 1970 after five years of construction. The park's design was inspired by the designers' visit to Cristalina, Goiás, where they encountered numerous rock crystals. Captivated, Burle Marx envisioned a space that would capture the geological richness of Brazil's Central Plateau, resulting in the park's unique aesthetic. The park originally housed 53 plant species, primarily native to the Cerrado biome. While some didn't survive, others have thrived, including a 12-meter buriti palm that has been there for nearly 40 years. More than just a visually appealing destination, Praça dos Cristais holds cultural and historical significance. It's an integral part of Brasília's modernist landscape, reflecting Burle Marx's artistic vision and symbolizing the geological wealth of the Central Plateau. The park provides a serene escape from the urban hustle, inviting visitors to relax and appreciate the artistic installations. The reflecting pools have been restored and now feature fish and lighting for nighttime visits, enhancing the park's appeal.

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