UNILIVRE (Universidade Livre do Meio Ambiente)

Surrounded by the bustling city of Curitiba and set deep in Zaninelli Park sits Unilivre (Free Environment University), a higher learning institution that offers courses related to the environment and a sustainable world. The school is often visited and admired on walking tours.
Located in what was once an old granite quarry, the area that houses Unilivre has been totally reforested with native vegetation. Strolling along the park’s many paths, visitors will observe various types of native and regional birds that share the area with students.
With a main building that has a 49‐foot‐tall (15‐meter‐tall) wooden tower, the structure’s architecture blends well with the surrounding nature. The huge spiraling stairs that lead to the tower wrap around the entire building and provide views overlooking the natural landscape. There is also an open‐air auditorium on campus and a 24‐foot‐deep (8‐meter‐deep) lake, home to swans, ducks and various types of fish.

Practical Info

Unilivre is located at Rua Victor Benato 210 in the Pilarzinho neighborhood. Visitors are free to wander the grounds Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 6 p.m. Linha Turismo buses leave Praca Tiradentes every 15 minutes Tuesday through Sunday.