Footprints in the Memory is a scheme that encourages residents and visitors to Curitiba to follow a historical and cultural route through the city. Curitiba has many historical attractions, including the following:
The Curitiba Minor Basilica Cathedral: situated in Tiradentes Square where the city of Curitiba was born, it was inaugurated in 1893, built in the neo-Gothic style and inspired by Barcelona Cathedral. The original image, dedicated to Our Lady of Light, came from Portugal in 1720 and is now in the Paraná Museum.
The Church of the Third Order of St. Francis of the Wounds: the oldest in Curitiba, built in 1737. It has undergone several changes over the years and has been stripped of its original architectural features in the colonial style. Its present tower is reminiscent of Moorish or neo-Gothic architecture whilst its interior is colonial, with a high altar in gold leaf and Baroque carving from the early 16th century. The image of Christ has hair and glass eyes, typical of the Baroque style. It was registered as historical heritage in 1965.
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of St. Benedict: this is the second oldest church in the city and was built by slaves in 1737. It is in Garibaldi Square in the historical district. It too has been rebuilt, losing part of its original style and only the tiled facade remaining, with original tiles taken from the former chapel.
Temple of the Muses: in the classical Greek style, it is the world headquarters of the Neo-Pythagorean Institute, founded in 1909 by the Paraná-born Dario Vellozo. It is dedicated to the study and development of higher faculties, to the altruism inspired in the verses of Pythagoras, namely justice and peace. It has a specialist library and admittance must be authorized.
Museum of Paraná: with neo-classical and art nouveau features, it was inaugurated in 1916 to house the city council which remained there until 1969. In 1964 it was registered by the Historical and Artistic Heritage of Paraná. It features exhibits concerning ethnology, history and hand-written and printed documents.
Romário Martins’ House: the second oldest building in the city, after the Church of the Third Order of St. Francis, it was built in the colonial style at the end of the 18th century. Its name is in posthumous homage to the Paraná-born writer and historian. It is used as an art gallery running exhibitions by state artists. It has been a wet and dry warehouse and since 1973 has housed the Memory Warehouse, with an exhibition of photographs telling the story of Italian immigration and the Menonites (an ethnic-religious group formed by Germans-Russians who came to Brazil in 1930).
Relógio das Flores (Clock of Flowers): situated in Garibaldi Square, it measures six metres in diameter and consists of different flowers planted according to the season.
Rua das Flores (Flower Street): the first pedestrian street in Brazil, inaugurated in 1972, with well-tended pots of flowers and bars and confectioners in hundred-year-old buildings and lanchonetes.
Boca Maldita (Cursed Mouth): a pedestrianized area with a large mouth symbolizing the spirit of the place. A platform for political demonstrations, the reciting of poetry and a meeting place for debate, rumour, politics and football.
Rua 24-Horas (24 Hours Street): the first in Brazil with a glass ceiling and iron arch structure. It has a little of everything: restaurants, ice-cream parlours, confectioners, pharmacies and mini-markets. The excitement begins at nightfall when several tables are spread around the area with people enjoying a beer or a glass of hot wine on the coldest nights.