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Photo: Sergio Luiz Furtado da Rosa, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Pico Paraná is the highest mountain in the Brazilian state of Paraná and in all Southern Brazil. It is composed of granite and gneiss. It was discovered by German explorer Reinhard Maack. Although this area has been previously inhabited by indigenous population Tupi Guarani. He also made the first ascent of the mountain, together with Rudolf Stamm and Alfred Mysing. The official height was obtained in 1992 by three teams from the Federal University of Paraná, using the Global Positioning System.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The Grand Lodge for Brazil of the Rosicrucian Order implemented in 1956 in Rio de Janeiro was transferred to Curitiba in 1960. The temple is part of an architectural complex of six buildings in Egyptian style, a homage to the first members who would get together in the secret chambers of the great pyramid. In the other buildings are the general administration, the Auditorium H. Spencer Lewis, a memorial with a pyramid and the Curitiba Lodge, where the library and museum are found, with reproductions of Egyptian pieces from various dynasties, including papyrus and mummies.
With an internal exhibition of dioramas, stuffed animals and dehydrated vegetables. At the external area is the "Araucarias Path", a wood remnant from the Araucaria Forest, where an elevated pathway goes through a 400 meters long path, with 12 windows and panels showing the inter-relations of the natural elements found at the Araucaria Forest and also the different products from this vegetable formation, obtained and used by Man.
An homage to the Portuguese-Brazilian bonds, this space is highlighted by a track following a small brook, where one can see, written on tiles which mimic traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, excerpts from famous Portuguese-language poets, as well as a tribute to the great Portuguese navigators and their discoveries.
The most beautiful park of the city, one can appreciate araucarias, cinnamon, bracatingas, Paraguay tea plants and other native species. The green area, serving as an important regulator of the air quality in the region, is used by students and university teachers in practical Botanic lessons. The Municipal Forest, next to the park, has a scientific and educational role – it is responsible for the research and production of vegetable species. Among its features there are woods with over 200,000 m² of typical vegetation, children's library, playground, rustic cabin, snack bar, barbeques and car park.
Curitiba's trademark, created to resemble French gardens, rolls out its flower carpet to the visitors right at the entrance. The greenhouse, with a metallic structure, has botanic species that are national reference, and also a water fountain. The native forest is filled with paths for hiking. The Botanic Museum attracts researchers from all over the world. There is a space for exhibitions, library and a theater.