Passeio Público

Passeio Público is a historic urban park in central Curitiba with multiple lakes, small islands, and walking paths that wind through landscaped grounds. The site houses bird populations and serves as the administrative headquarters for the city's zoo.

The park originated in 1886 when Italian entrepreneur Francisco Fasce Fontana and Province President Alfredo Taunay transformed a marshy area into a public green space. This founding represents a key moment in Curitiba's urban development during the late 1800s.

The park's architectural portals, designed by Frederico Kirchgässner, draw inspiration from Parisian cemetery elements and reflect European design influences. These ornate entrances shape how visitors experience the space when they arrive.

The park has designated areas for recreation and bird watching that are easily accessible on foot. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since paths wind through landscaped grounds and surface conditions can vary depending on the weather.

The Ilha da Ilusão within the park was the site where Emiliano Perneta was crowned prince of Paraná poets in 1911. This unusual literary ceremony connects the park's story to the region's artistic life.