Praça dos Cristais, Planalto Central Travel Guide

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Discover Praça dos Cristais in Brasília: A modernist landscape featuring crystal structures, reflecting pools, and native gardens.

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Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais (Crystal Square) is a modernist landscape architecture marvel in Brasília, conceived by Roberto Burle Marx and Haruyoshi Ono. Inspired by rock crystals from Cristalina, Goiás, the plaza features geometric concrete sculptures, reflecting pools, 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
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Praça dos Cristais.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the large plaza and gardens.
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as shade can be limited.
Visit in the evening to see the crystal structures illuminated.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Palácio do Planalto

Área de Proteção Ambiental do Planalto Central

Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida

Memorial JK

Three Powers Plaza

Explore Praça dos Cristais on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Praça dos Cristais, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Brasília's city center, go to the Rodoviária do Plano Piloto bus terminal. Take a bus towards 'SMU' or 'Praça Duque de Caxias'; buses are frequent (every 10-15 minutes). 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 (Uber or 99) and enter 'Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU - Brasília, DF' as the destination. From central locations, the ride takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between R$30 and R$50. App-based cars have designated pick-up locations at the airport and shopping malls.
Walking

If nearby (e.g., Palácio da Alvorada), walk south towards Praça Duque de Caxias, following signs to Praça dos Cristais. The walk takes 20-30 minutes.

Discover more about Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais, also known as Praça Cívica, is a captivating example of modernist landscape architecture located in Brasília, Brazil. Designed by Roberto Burle Marx and his assistant Haruyoshi Ono, the park draws inspiration from the rock crystals of Cristalina, Goiás. Inaugurated in 1970, after five years of construction, the plaza spans 102,000 square meters, featuring geometric triangular spaces, a large reflecting pool, and gardens.The park's design incorporates concrete sculptures mimicking natural crystal formations, blending natural and architectural elements. Originally, the gardens housed 53 plant species, primarily native to the Cerrado biome. Although some species didn't survive, others, like the 12-meter Buriti palm, have thrived for nearly 40 years. The reflecting pools, revitalized after two decades, now host diverse fish species and are illuminated for nighttime visits.Praça dos Cristais serves as a cultural hub, hosting events and exhibitions. It provides a serene escape in Brasília's urban environment, inviting visitors to relax and admire the artistic installations.