Praça Rio Branco (Marco Zero)

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.