street · Curitiba, PR
Rua XV de Novembro (Rua das Flores)
In 1972, its central stretch became Brazil's first pedestrian-only street, with petit-pavé mosaic paving and flower beds. The nickname Rua das Flores recalls the street's 19th-century name, before it was renamed in honor of the Proclamation of the Republic.
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 Rua XV de Novembro (Rua das Flores)
Rua XV de Novembro is the most famous street in downtown Curitiba. Its central stretch is a pedestrian mall, with petit-pavé mosaic paving, planters, benches and old lampposts, linking Praça Osório to Praça Santos Andrade.
In 1972, this stretch was closed to cars and became Brazil's first pedestrian-only street. The work was done in a single weekend, to head off opposition from drivers and shopkeepers. In the 19th century, the street was called Rua das Flores; later it was Rua da Imperatriz and, with the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, it got its current name. The nickname Rua das Flores is still used.
Along the way are historic buildings such as the Palácio Avenida, the Edifício Moreira Garcez, the city's first skyscraper, and early 20th-century townhouses. At the corner of Avenida Luiz Xavier is the Boca Maldita, a traditional gathering spot for conversation, with a German clock from 1914. Flower stalls, the Bondinho da Leitura (a tram car turned reading room) and street performers complete the scene. At the end of the mall, on Praça Santos Andrade, are the historic building of the Universidade Federal do Paraná and the Teatro Guaíra.
The walk is flat and easy, good for any age. It is also a shopping street and a thoroughfare, busy during the workday.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour lets you walk the pedestrian mall end to end without rushing, with stops for photos and a coffee.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, on weekdays, to see the street bustling; on Sunday it is quieter. In spring the planters and flower stalls are at their most colorful.
How to get there
It is in downtown Curitiba. The pedestrian mall starts at Praça Osório and ends at Praça Santos Andrade, and you can walk there from much of downtown, including Largo da Ordem. The Linha Turismo stops at Rua das Flores. By car, use downtown parking lots, since this stretch is pedestrian-only.
Tip
Combine the walk with Largo da Ordem and the Historic District, which are nearby. As in any busy downtown, keep an eye on your belongings.
A look at the place
Rua XV de Novembro (Rua das Flores) 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 Rua XV de Novembro (Rua das Flores)
Why is Rua XV called Rua das Flores?
Rua das Flores was the street's name in the 19th century. The nickname stuck and suits the planters and flower stalls on the pedestrian mall.
Was Rua XV the first pedestrian street in Brazil?
Yes. In 1972 the central stretch of Rua XV de Novembro became the country's first pedestrian-only street.
Where does the Rua XV pedestrian mall start and end?
The mall runs from Praça Osório to Praça Santos Andrade, home to the historic UFPR building and the Teatro Guaíra.
Can I walk from Rua XV to Largo da Ordem?
Yes. Both are in downtown Curitiba, a short walk from each other.
Does the Linha Turismo stop on Rua XV?
Yes. The Linha Turismo stops at Rua das Flores, right after its starting point on Praça Tiradentes.