Palmas Things to Do Tips by mircaskirca

Memorial Coluna Prestes-Designed by Oscar Niemeyer

Inaugurated in October 2001, Memorial Coluna Prestes is considered one of the architectural, cultural and historical landmarks of Tocantins. It honors an army captain Luis Carlos Prestes, who led a group of 1500 rebel soldiers on a 25.000km journey through Brazilian interior, including Tocantins (the march lasted from 1924 to 1927), to promote democracy and an end to dictatorial rule.

The Memorial Coluna Prestes, an unconventional white tubular structure near Palacio Araguaia, was designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who is considered one of the most important names in modern architecture (he also designed most of the important buildings in that time new capital Brasilia). The space houses an important collection that is available to researches, students and community. The collection consists of photographs, documents, and personal objects donated by the family of Luis Carlos Prestes. Among the pieces on display, some are real treasures.

The Memorial Coluna Prestes includes a historical-cultural complex. Before entering the building, visitors pass by the Monumento aos 18 do Forte, made by the sculptor Maurice Bentes, and the bronze sculpture Cavaleiro da Luz (Knight of Light), which represents Luis Carlos Prestes.

It is open Tue-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat&Sun 8am-noon; admission is free.

Address: Praca dos Girasois

Phone: 063 3218 2419

Palacio Araguaia

It's impossible to talk about the sights of Palmas without mentioning the marble Palacio Araguaia. Built in 1990, it houses the state offices and contains a small floor inset which all Tocantinenses consider to be the actual geographical centre of Brazil.

Palacio is located on the Praca dos Girassois and looks over the plaza and Palmas itself. The plaza was given its name for the sunflower-packed field that Siqueira Campos discovered upon arrival here, and you'll see its image displayed everywhere inside the Palacio.

Inside the building is a small museum (open Mon-Fri 8am-noon and 4-6pm; admission free) with displays about the history of Tocantins and Palmas since the beginning of the dream of building a new state. The lobby is adorned with huge mosaics and has a large scale model of Praca dos Girassois which you can then compare to the real thing from windows on the second floor.

Palacio is not just a beautiful work of architecture but also a symbol of greatness in the history of the state of Tocantins. The building has been restyled in 2001 and the large plaza has been redone with mosaic and fountains. Palacio is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and important points of the state of Tocantins.

Address: Praca dos Girassois