historic center · Curitiba, PR
Largo da Ordem e Setor Histórico
An area of fifteen blocks in the São Francisco and Centro neighborhoods, with 18th- and 19th-century mansions showing Portuguese and German influence and the Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco. On Sundays, since 1973, it hosts the traditional Largo da Ordem crafts fair.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Largo da Ordem e Setor Histórico
The Largo da Ordem (square) is the heart of Curitiba's Historic District, the oldest part of the city, in the São Francisco and Centro neighborhoods. Cobblestone streets, 18th- and 19th-century mansions and old churches form an ensemble you can explore entirely on foot. The square's official name is Largo Coronel Enéas.
The area has been protected as a historic district since 1971. The architecture mixes Portuguese influence, from colonial times, and German influence, from the immigrant families who settled here in the 19th century. The Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco das Chagas, from 1737, is the oldest church in Curitiba; its tower was only completed in 1883. Next door is the Museu de Arte Sacra.
Nearby are the Casa Romário Martins, the oldest masonry house in the city and the last example of Portuguese colonial architecture downtown, the Memorial de Curitiba, the Igreja do Rosário, the Ruínas de São Francisco (ruins) and the Relógio das Flores. There are bars, cafés and restaurants in the mansions, and the area stays lively into the night.
On Sunday mornings, the district's streets host the Feira do Largo da Ordem, one of the largest crafts fairs in Brazil, with hundreds of stalls of crafts, food and street art. The fair was recognized as intangible heritage of Curitiba in 2018.
The walk is mostly flat, but the stone paving is uneven, which calls for care if you use a wheelchair or stroller. On fair Sundays, the streets get crowded.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours lets you stroll around the square, go into the Igreja da Ordem and visit one of the cultural venues; on Sunday, allow more time for the fair.
Best time
Sunday morning, to see the crafts fair; on other days, morning or late afternoon is quieter for photographing the mansions. In spring and summer the long days are good for walking.
How to get there
It is in downtown Curitiba, near Praça Tiradentes, the city's founding point, and you can walk there from Rua XV de Novembro. The Linha Turismo stops at the Historic Center and leaves from Praça Tiradentes. By car, street parking in the district is hard to find, especially on Sundays; use a downtown parking lot and walk.
Tip
On Sunday, arrive early, before the fair gets crowded, and wear comfortable shoes for the stone paving. Check the city hall website for museum and church hours, which may vary by day and time.
A look at the place
Largo da Ordem e Setor Histórico in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Largo da Ordem e Setor Histórico
What day is the Largo da Ordem fair?
The Feira do Largo da Ordem takes place every Sunday morning on the streets of the Historic District, around the Igreja da Ordem.
Is there an entrance fee at Largo da Ordem?
No. The square and the streets of the Historic District are public space and access is free. Nearby museums and cultural venues have their own rules; check the official website.
Can I walk from Rua XV to Largo da Ordem?
Yes. Largo da Ordem is downtown, a short walk from Rua XV de Novembro and Praça Tiradentes.
What is the oldest church in Curitiba?
The Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco das Chagas, from 1737, right on Largo da Ordem.
Does the Linha Turismo stop at Largo da Ordem?
Yes. The Linha Turismo stops at the Historic Center, and its starting point, on Praça Tiradentes, is also nearby.