square · Palmas, TO
Praça dos Girassóis
Said to be the largest square in Latin America, it is home to the seats of the three branches of state government and monuments linked to the founding of the capital. Here you will find the Cruzeiro, which marks the cornerstone laid in 1989, and the bronze group Súplica dos Pioneiros.
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 Praça dos Girassóis
The Praça dos Girassóis is the civic center of Palmas and one of the largest squares in the world, at about 570,000 square meters. It is said to be the largest in Latin America. It lies at the central point of the city plan, where the main avenues begin.
The square is home to the seats of the three branches of the Tocantins government: the Palácio Araguaia, the Legislative Assembly and the Court of Justice. It also has monuments linked to the creation of the capital. The Cruzeiro marks the spot where the cornerstone of Palmas was laid in 1989, and the bronze group Súplica dos Pioneiros honors the families who came to build the city.
On your walk you can also see the Memorial Coluna Prestes, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Monumento aos 18 do Forte, the Fonte Luminosa (illuminated fountain) and a large sundial. Seen from above, the gardens and sidewalks form the map of Tocantins. A marker shows the geodesic center of Brazil, a popular photo spot.
The ground is flat and the paths are wide, which makes the visit easy for children, older visitors and wheelchair users. The distances between monuments are long and there is little shade in some stretches, so plan your route.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to walk at a relaxed pace between the main monuments.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, when it hardly rains; choose early morning or late afternoon, because the strong midday sun is punishing in open areas.
How to get there
The square is in downtown Palmas, at the intersection of Juscelino Kubitschek and Teotônio Segurado avenues. You can walk from hotels in the central area, drive (there is parking around it) or take a city bus, since many lines run through downtown.
Tip
Bring water, a cap and sunscreen: the square is huge and the heat in Palmas is strong all year round.
A look at the place
Praça dos Girassóis 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 Praça dos Girassóis
Is there an entrance fee at the Praça dos Girassóis?
No. The square is an open public space with free admission.
How long does it take to see the Praça dos Girassóis?
One to two hours lets you see the main monuments at a relaxed pace. The area is very large, so expect long walks.
Is the Praça dos Girassóis really the largest square in Latin America?
It is said to be the largest square in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, at about 570,000 square meters.
What is there to see at the Praça dos Girassóis?
The Palácio Araguaia, the Cruzeiro, the Súplica dos Pioneiros, the Memorial Coluna Prestes, the Monumento aos 18 do Forte, the Fonte Luminosa, the sundial and the marker of the geodesic center of Brazil.
What is the best time to visit the Praça dos Girassóis?
Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is weaker. The square has many open areas and little shade in some stretches.