Marco Zero Square: The Heart of Recife
Discover Recife's origins at Marco Zero Square, a vibrant hub of history, culture, and stunning waterfront views.
Marco Zero Square, officially known as Praça Rio Branco, is the historical and cultural heart of Recife, Brazil. Founded in 1537 by the Portuguese, this waterfront square marks the city's point of origin and serves as the starting point for measuring distances across the state of Pernambuco. The square is surrounded by beautifully renovated colonial buildings and old warehouses, now converted into restaurants and shops. A compass rose, designed by Cícero Dias, adorns the center of the square. Visitors can also find a red milestone donated by the Automobile Clube, marking kilometer zero for Pernambuco's roads, and a bronze statue of Barão do Rio Branco. From Marco Zero, you can see the Parque das Esculturas (Sculpture Park) across the Capibaribe River estuary, featuring ceramic works by the artist Francisco Brennand. Boatmen offer rides to the park for a small fee. The square also hosts cultural events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year, particularly during Carnival. Street performers, artisans, and food vendors add to the lively atmosphere, offering an authentic taste of Recife's culture. Nearby attractions include the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, Paço do Frevo, and the Centro de Artesanato de Pernambuco.
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the skyline and a picturesque atmosphere.
- Explore the nearby Recife Antigo for a taste of local nightlife and culture.
- Check out local events and festivals that often take place in the square for a unique experience.
- Take a boat trip to Parque das Esculturas to see the ceramic works of Francisco Brennand.
A brief summary to Marco Zero Square
- Av. Alfredo Lisboa, Recife, Recife, State of Pernambuco, 50030-150, BR
- +558002810040
Getting There
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Walking
If you are in the central area of Recife, head towards Praça do Arsenal. From there, walk east along Rua do Arsenal towards the waterfront. Continue along the promenade until you reach Avenida Alfredo Lisboa, where you'll see Marco Zero Square. The walk from Praça do Arsenal is about 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transport
From other parts of Recife, take a local bus towards the Recife Antigo area. Look for bus stops indicating 'Recife Antigo'. Many buses will drop you off near Avenida Alfredo Lisboa, a short walk from Marco Zero Square. Bus fares typically range from R$4.10 to R$7.10. You can also take the metro to Recife station and then walk, bus, or taxi to Recife Antigo.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are readily available in Recife. A taxi ride from the airport to the Old Town (Recife Antigo) costs around R$50. A typical taxi fare to the city center ranges from R$25 to R$50. From the airport, you can also take the metro to Recife station and then walk, bus, or taxi to Recife Antigo. The metro fare is R$4.25.
