Curitiba
Curitiba is the capital of Paraná, located in southern Brazil 120 km from the coast. This city became famous in the 1970s because it was one of the first cities in the world to get involved in environmental issues. Ecology has a primordial place in the tourist communication of the city, so much that there are no less than thirty parks, 50m2 of spaces per inhabitant and a bike path of 120km.
In the city center of Curitiba, we find its emblematic treasure: the Jardim Botânico, with free access. By the way, in 2007, it was included among the "Seven Wonders of Brazil." This garden of 35 000m2 is designed in the same image as a French royal garden where you can discover more than 2500 exotic Brazilian plants and rare flowers. The walks are enjoyable, thanks to the few fountains and statues. The 450m2 glass and metal greenhouse called the "Muséum Botanico Municipal" represents the heart of this botanical garden and houses an extensive collection of native plants. By the way, the city is home to some buildings designed in transparency, which justifies its nickname of "Cidade de Verro," which means the town of glass. This is also the case of the Opera de Arame, built from iron tube and polycarbonate, which can be accessed thanks to its footbridge on stilts. Located in the heart of the "Parque das Pedreiras" and nestled in the middle of the vegetation, you can visit this monument for its unusual architecture or to attend a theatrical or musical performance.
Curitiba has several museums, including the most famous of them, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, recognizable by its impressive architecture in the shape of an eye. The museum honors the architect of the same name, famous for his designs, each more original than the last. There are exhibitions of so many Brazilian artists and other nationalities of the XXth and XXIth centuries.
You can also visit smaller museums in the city, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, built in a historical building of the town, or the Museum of Indigenous Arts, where visitors learn a lot about the indigenous culture.
Many bike tours are provided in the city, where you can discover the historic center that charms thanks to the different buildings of local architecture. Among the Italian emigration colonies, El Palacio Garibaldi's institutions are the Federal University of Parana and the Teatro Guaira, the largest theater in South America.