Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek
Distrito Federal
Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek, popularly known as Parque da Cidade, is an expansive urban park located in Asa Sul, Brasília, within Brazil's Federal District. Founded on October 11, 1978, it spans approximately 420 hectares, making it the largest urban park in South America. The park serves as a major outdoor leisure center, featuring sports courts, artificial lakes, a amusement park, an equestrian center, and trails for walking, skating, and cycling. It is recognized as part of Brasília's heritage and was designed with contributions from notable figures such as urban planner Lúcio Costa, architect Oscar Niemeyer, and landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Originally named after Rogério Pithon Farias, the park was renamed in 1997 to honor Sarah Kubitschek, wife of former Brazilian president Juscelino Kubitschek. The park is also culturally significant, famously referenced in the popular Brazilian song "Eduardo e Mônica" by Legião Urbana, which led to the creation of a dedicated plaza and sculpture within the park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities amid its vast green areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, and dining options, making it a vibrant social and cultural hub in Brasília.
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Tip: The best time to visit Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek is during daylight hours for full access to its sports courts, trails, and playgrounds. Visitors are advised to check for any scheduled events or maintenance on the official website. While entry is generally free, some attractions like the amusement park or equestrian center may require tickets or reservations. Early arrival on weekends is recommended to secure parking and avoid crowds. Discounts or special access may be available for children, seniors, or local residents, so inquire locally or online before visiting.
Interesting facts
- •Parque da Cidade is the largest urban park in South America, covering 420 hectares.
- •The park was originally named after Rogério Pithon Farias, the son of a former governor who died in a car accident.
- •It is famously mentioned in the Brazilian song "Eduardo e Mônica" by the band Legião Urbana.
- •A plaza named Eduardo e Mônica with a sculpture of a guitar and music score is located inside the park.
- •The park hosted a visit by Paul McCartney in 2014, who enjoyed cycling there despite rainy weather.
- •The park includes a now-abandoned wave pool that was once a major attraction.
- •The amusement park Nicolândia within Parque da Cidade offers classic rides like a Ferris wheel and roller coaster.
History
The park was inaugurated in 1978 by President Ernesto Geisel and Governor Elmo Farias as Parque Recreativo Pitton Farias, named after the governor's son who died in a car accident.
Its creation was part of Brasília's urban development plan, initially conceived by Lúcio Costa to combine botanical and zoological gardens into a single large park.
The landscape project was led by Roberto Burle Marx, with architectural contributions from Oscar Niemeyer and Glauco Campello.
In 1997, the park was renamed to honor Sarah Kubitschek, the wife of Brasília's founder, Juscelino Kubitschek.
Over the decades, the park has evolved into a key recreational and cultural space in Brasília, reflecting the city's modernist planning and community life.
Place Guide
Sports Complexes
The park features numerous sports facilities including fourteen multipurpose courts, twelve volleyball and beach volleyball courts, nine football and sand football fields, five clay tennis courts, and three beach tennis courts, catering to a wide range of athletic activities.
Parque Ana Lídia1971
A recreational park within Parque da Cidade, inaugurated in 1971 and renovated in 1999, offering playgrounds and leisure spaces primarily for children and families.
Artificial Lakes and Trails
The park contains artificial lakes surrounded by trails suitable for walking, skating, and cycling, providing scenic routes for visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor exercise.
Parque de Diversões Nicolândia
An amusement park near the Eixo Monumental within the park, featuring typical attractions such as a Ferris wheel and roller coaster, popular among families and visitors of all ages.
Equestrian Center
The park includes a center dedicated to horseback riding and related activities, offering lessons and events for equestrian enthusiasts.
