Praça Marechal Deodoro, Heritage square in central Porto Alegre, Brazil

Praça Marechal Deodoro is a central urban space in Porto Alegre's heart, bordered by major government buildings including the Palácio Piratini and Palácio da Justiça. The plaza connects these structures and is surrounded by adjoining streets lined with cafes and shops.

First mentioned in 1753, when a cemetery stood on the site, the square was mapped in 1772 as Praça do Novo Lugar. After the capital moved from Viamão to Porto Alegre, it received the Palácio do Governador, finished in 1789; that building was demolished in 1896 for the current Palácio Piratini. In 1858 it was renamed Praça Dom Pedro II for the emperor's visit, and on 11 December 1889 it became Praça Marechal Deodoro.

The square's name comes from the Igreja Matriz built on its south side, which gave the site its popular name. The Monument to Júlio de Castilhos, inaugurated on 24 October 1914, was made by sculptor Décio Villares and surrounds the statesman's bronze figure with personifications of virtues such as Courage and Prudence, and of values and institutions such as Education and Civics.

The plaza is freely accessible throughout the day and connects easily to public transportation routes, making it simple to reach. Visitors will find numerous places to rest and grab refreshments in the surrounding streets.

The bronze Monument to Júlio de Castilhos, inaugurated on 24 October 1914, was made by sculptor Décio Villares under governor Carlos Barbosa. Around the central figure stand personifications of virtues such as Courage and Prudence, and of values and institutions such as Education and Civics. The monument has suffered vandalism over the years.