Recife, Recife Travel Guide

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Discover Recife's historic heart at Praça Rio Branco, where the city began and culture thrives amidst colorful colonial architecture.

Praça Rio Branco, also known as Marco Zero (Ground Zero), is a historic public square in Recife Antigo (Old Recife), Brazil, marking the city's point of origin. It's a vibrant space surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and serves as the reference point for measuring all local road distances.

A brief summary to Recife

Praça Rio Branco, Recife, Recife, State of Pernambuco, BR

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit the Sculpture Park by taking a short, inexpensive ferry ride from Marco Zero to see the Crystal Column and other unique artworks.
Explore the surrounding Recife Antigo district, with its colorful buildings, museums, and historical sites.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and take necessary safety precautions.
Check the local events calendar for festivals, music performances, and other cultural activities happening at Praça Rio Branco.

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Explore Recife on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Recife, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

Praça Rio Branco is accessible via Recife's extensive bus network. Many bus routes serve the Recife Antigo area, with several stops within a short walking distance of the square. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single bus ticket costs approximately R$4.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are readily available in Recife and offer a convenient way to reach Praça Rio Branco. A typical taxi fare from Boa Viagem to Recife Antigo will cost around R$30-50, depending on traffic. Ensure the driver resets the meter at the beginning of the ride.
Walking

From many points in Recife Antigo, Praça Rio Branco is easily accessible on foot. As you explore the district's historical streets, follow the signs towards the waterfront and the central square. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of this historic area.

Discover more about Recife

Praça Rio Branco, commonly called Marco Zero, is more than just a square; it's the historical heart of Recife. Located in the Recife Antigo district, it marks the spot where the Portuguese first founded the city in 1537. Officially named Praça Barão do Rio Branco, the square is bordered by Avenida Alfredo Lisboa and connects to Rua Marquês de Olinda, Rua Rio Branco, and Rua Barbosa Lima.The square is home to a marker installed in 1938 by the Automobile Club of Pernambuco, from which all official road distances in the region are measured. In addition to the Marco Zero, a bronze bust of Barão do Rio Branco, sculpted by French artist Félix Charpeutier and placed on a stone pedestal sculpted by Corbiniano Vilaça, stands in the square.The northern side of the square is washed by the estuary of the Port of Recife, formed by the Capibaribe River. The estuary is protected by a natural dike, which houses the Parque das Esculturas (Sculpture Park), featuring the striking, 32-meter-high Coluna de Cristal (Crystal Column) inspired by a flower discovered by Burle Marx, along with other ceramic works by Francisco Brennand. A short ferry ride from Marco Zero provides access to the Sculpture Park.Praça Rio Branco is a focal point for the city's vibrant Carnival celebrations and other events. The surrounding area boasts numerous historical and cultural attractions, including colonial buildings, museums, and the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Americas.