park · João Pessoa, PB
Parque Solon de Lucena (Lagoa)
The former Lagoa dos Irerês became a public park around 1922 and got gardens by Burle Marx, with a ring of palm trees around the water. It has been listed by Iphaep (Paraíba's state heritage institute) since 1980.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Solon de Lucena (Lagoa)
Parque Solon de Lucena, which everyone in João Pessoa simply calls the Lagoa (lagoon), is the great postcard image of downtown. It is a natural, almost round lagoon, surrounded by a ring of tall royal palms, gardens and broad-canopied trees.
Before it became a park, the area was a marsh known as Lagoa dos Irerês, named after a waterbird that came there for water. It was landscaped in the early decades of the 20th century and named after governor Solon de Lucena. Later, landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx helped design the flowerbeds. The park has been listed by Iphaep, Paraíba's heritage institute, since 1980.
The path around the water is flat and good for walking, running or cycling. The yellow ipê trees bloom in spring and stand out against the green of the palms. Around it are shops, old buildings and the city's main bus hub, which makes the Lagoa a busy place during the day.
It is an open park with no entrance fee. It works well as a half-hour stop on a walk through the historic center, which begins nearby.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour to walk around the lagoon at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is weaker and the low light highlights the palm trees reflected in the water; between September and November the yellow ipê trees are usually in bloom.
How to get there
It is in downtown João Pessoa, surrounded by the ring road where most of the city's bus lines pass. From Tambaú and Cabo Branco beaches, you can go by bus, taxi or ride-hailing app; from the historic center, you can walk.
Tip
Combine the Lagoa with a walk through the historic center. Avoid late at night, when the area empties out, and keep an eye on your belongings, as in any busy downtown area.
A look at the place
Parque Solon de Lucena (Lagoa) 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 Parque Solon de Lucena (Lagoa)
Is there an entrance fee at Parque Solon de Lucena?
No. It is an open public park with no entrance fee.
Why is the park called the Lagoa?
Because at its center there is a natural lagoon (lagoa), surrounded by royal palms. In João Pessoa, almost everyone calls the park simply the Lagoa.
Who designed the gardens at the Lagoa?
Landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx helped design the park's flowerbeds.
Can you walk there from the historic center?
Yes. The Lagoa is right in the city center, a short walk from the old streets and churches.
How long does it take to walk around the lagoon?
Between 30 minutes and 1 hour, walking at a relaxed pace and stopping for photos.