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Praça dos Cristais: Brasília's Geometric Gem

Discover the beauty of Praça dos Cristais in Brasília, where crystal structures meet serene gardens in a unique urban oasis.

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Praça dos Cristais (Crystal Square) in Brasília is a modernist landscape designed by Roberto Burle Marx, featuring geometric concrete sculptures that mimic natural rock crystals. This unique plaza offers a serene retreat with reflecting pools and gardens showcasing the Cerrado biome'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 in the late afternoon for the best lighting to see the crystal structures sparkle.
  • Check for special events or guided tours to learn more about the park's design and history.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, but be mindful of keeping the area clean.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, go to Rodoviária do Plano Piloto bus terminal. Look for buses heading towards 'SMU' or 'Praça Duque de Caxias'. Buses are frequent, arriving every 10-15 minutes. The journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Disembark at 'Praça Duque de Caxias', a short walk from Praça dos Cristais. A one-way public transport ticket costs approximately R$5.54.

  • Ride-sharing

    Use a ride-sharing app like Uber or 99. Input 'Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU' as the destination. From central locations, the ride takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between R$30 and R$50. Drop-off is very close to Praça dos Cristais.

  • Car

    Head towards Praça Duque de Caxias in the SMU neighborhood. From central Pampas, take the BR-060 highway towards Brasília. Follow signs for the city center, then exit for SMU. Continue to Praça Duque de Caxias. Street parking is usually available, costing R$2 to R$5 per hour. Be aware that parking can be difficult in some areas of the city.

Unlock the Best of Praça dos Cristais

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Discover more about Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais, also known as Praça Cívica, is located in Brasília's Setor Militar Urbano. This plaza stands as a testament to modernist landscape architecture. Conceived by Roberto Burle Marx and his assistant Haruyoshi Ono, its design draws inspiration from the rock crystals of Cristalina, Goiás. The park's concrete sculptures mimic these natural formations, creating a harmonious blend of natural and architectural elements reflecting Brazil's Central Plateau. Inaugurated in 1970 after five years of construction, Praça dos Cristais spans 102,000 square meters. The geometric, triangular space includes a large reflecting pool and gardens, providing a serene escape from Brasília's urban environment. Originally, the gardens housed 53 plant species, primarily native to the Cerrado biome. While some didn't survive, others, like a 12-meter buriti palm, have thrived for nearly 40 years. More than just visually appealing, 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. Restoration efforts have revived the reflecting pools, which had been non-functional for 20 years, and introduced fish, as well as lighting for nighttime visits ensured by military patrols. The plaza includes benches for visitors, though these weren't part of the original design.

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