park · Niterói, RJ
Parque Prefeito Ferraz
Main public garden of Niterói, in the Icaraí neighborhood, with lakes, tree-lined promenades, a bandstand (coreto) and cultural centers. A historic, leafy refuge for walking, observing nature and enjoying local life.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Prefeito Ferraz
Parque Prefeito Ferraz, better known as Campo de São Bento, is the most traditional green area in Icaraí, Niterói. Its origins go back to lands owned by Benedictine monks in the 17th century, and the park was urbanized at the beginning of the 20th century during the administration of João Pereira Ferraz, with a landscape design by the Belgian Arsène Puttemans. Officially named in honor of the mayor, it still retains the affectionate nickname Campo de São Bento.
Walking through its roughly 36,000 m², visitors find tree-lined alleys, lakes with a fountain, a historic bandstand (coreto), emblematic species such as the centennial pau-ferro and outdoor sculptures. The park also houses the Centro Cultural Paschoal Carlos Magno and facilities focused on environmental education, such as the “living museum” of plants, a result of the municipal floristic census.
Listed by the Prefeitura de Niterói in 1990 for its landscape and emotional value, the park continues to receive conservation work. In 2026 the lakes were cleaned, the statues revitalized and the historic water tower restored without interrupting public access. Infrastructure includes children's play areas, gardens and spaces for reading and resting.
Besides being a daily meeting point for residents for walks and picnics, Campo de São Bento often hosts art and craft fairs and cultural programming around the bandstand and the cultural center. It is an emblematic city setting, ideal for feeling the neighborhood atmosphere of Icaraí and enjoying nature within the urban environment.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow 1 to 2 hours to walk the avenues at a relaxed pace, see the lakes, the bandstand and the cultural center; more time if you want to enjoy fairs and events on weekends.
Best time
Mornings and late afternoons, when temperatures are milder and the light is better for photos in the gardens and lakes. Weekends tend to be busier with events; weekdays offer calmer visits. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant.
How to get there
From Centro de Niterói (Praça Arariboia/Terminal João Goulart), head toward Icaraí via Av. Marquês do Paraná and Rua Gavião Peixoto by car, taxi or ride‑hailing app. There are bus lines linking the Centro to Zona Sul, with stops near the gates. By bicycle, access is facilitated by the area’s bike lanes.
Tip
Bring sunscreen and water, walk around the main lake and climb the water tower for photos of the landscaping. On weekends, check the cultural program and fairs at the bandstand. Keep an eye on your belongings and respect the wildlife and vegetation.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Prefeito Ferraz 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 Prefeito Ferraz
Where exactly is it in Niterói?
In the Icaraí neighborhood, Zona Sul, a few minutes from the Centro.
Is there anything to do with children?
Yes, the park has play areas, gardens and plenty of space to play.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, it's common to see pets; keep them on a leash and pick up their waste.
Does the park have restrooms?
There are restrooms at points in the park, as well as benches and resting areas.
Are there events and fairs?
It often hosts art and craft fairs and cultural activities.