Curitiba

One theory is that the name Curitiba comes from the Tupi words kurí tyba 'many araucária seeds' due to the large number of Paraná pines pinecones in the region prior to its founding. Another version, also using words from the Tupi language, is that it originates in the combination of kurit 'pine tree' and yba 'large amount'. The Portuguese, who founded a settlement on the site in 1693, named it Vila da Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais 'Village of Our Lady of the Light of the Pines'. The name was changed to Curitiba in 1721. Curitiba officially became a town in 1812, spelling its name Curityba. An alternative spelling was Coritiba. This was used in press and state documents. A state decree in 1919 settled the dispute by adopting Curitiba.

At the end of the 17th century, Curitiba's agriculture was only for subsistence and its main economic activities were mineral extraction. Waves of European immigrants arrived after 1850, mainly Poles, Italians, Germans (mostly Volga Germans from Russia) and Ukrainians. Cattlemen drove their herds from Rio Grande do Sul to the state of São Paulo, turning Curitiba into an important intermediate trading post. The Paranaguá–Curitiba railroad was opened in 1885. Around the beginning of the 20th century, Curitiba benefited from the wealth of the yerba mate mills. The owners (known as "barões da erva-mate") built mansions in the capital. These have mostly been preserved in the districts of Batel and Alto da Glória. In the 1940s and 1950s, Alfred Agache, co-founder of the French Society for Urban Studies, was hired to produce its first city plan. …

Curitiba, the capital of the Paraná state of southern Brazil, is located near the Atlantic margin of the Brazilian Highlands and the headwaters of the Iguaçu River. It is around 3,050 feet (930 meters) above sea level. The most important rivers that form six hydrographic basins within the municipal territory are, in addition to the Iguaçu River, the Atuba, Belém, Barigui, Passaúna, and the Padilhas stream, all with similar drainage characteristics. The most extensive hydrographic basin in Curitiba is that of the Barigui River, which crosses the municipality from north to south and covers 139.9 km² of the municipality's area. To the south, there is the least extensive hydrographic basin in Curitiba, that of the Padilhas stream, with 33.6 km². …

In January 1973 the Fundação Cultural de Curitiba was set up, with the aim of promoting culture. The Cultural Complex Solar do Barão features the Photography Museum, the Engravings Museum and the Posters Museu. The MuMA – Museu Metropolitano de Arte (Museum of Metropolitan Art) displays artists from the state of Paraná as well as renowned Brazilian painters such as Pancetti, Guignard and Di Cavalcanti. The Polish Immigrants Memorial, also known as The Pope's Woods, offers an enjoyable area surrounded by trees, which makes it a perfect choice for a stroll. The Polish Pope John Paul II blessed the first replica of the traditional Polish houses that beautifully make up the Bosque do Papa when he visited the city in 1980. In 2003, Curitiba received the "American Capital of Culture" title, granted by the OAS (Organization of American States). …

Since it was declared capital of the State of Paraná in 1853, the city has gone through several major urban planning projects to avoid uncontrolled growth and thus has become an international role model in dealing with issues including transportation and the environment. The city is Brazil's second largest car manufacturer. Its economy is based on industry, commerce and services. For that reason, Curitiba is considered by many investors to be the best location for investment in Brazil. The city receives more than two million tourists every year. Most arrive via the Afonso Pena International Airport, where almost 60,000 flights land annually. According to IPEA data, the GDP in 2006 was 32 billion reals, without including agriculture and livestock (0.03%). Industry represented 34.13% and the commerce and service sectors 65.84%. …

Attractions in the city include: Shrine of the Divine Mercy: established by the Marian Fathers near Estrada do Ganchinho in the district of Umbará. Municipal market: Located near the city's central bus station, it houses numerous shops selling imported goods, organic products, and vegan food. The food court has a lot of Asian food, vegan food and organic meals. Italian Woods: Hosts local celebrations. Wire Opera House: Built on the site of an abandoned quarry. Oscar Niemeyer Museum: Artists from Paraná and other parts of Brazil have their work represented in the museum. Three rooms in the Eye are dedicated exclusively to photography. Panoramic Tower: The 360-foot tall lookout tower allows travelers a 360° view of Curitiba and has a telephone museum on the ground floor. …