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Brasília

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Overview

Brasília, conceived as a workable, utopic answer to urban chaos, replaced Rio as capital in 1960 and remains an impressive monument to national initiative. The purpose-built city is lauded by many for its futuristic architecture and avant-garde design, but also criticized for the impracticality of the uberorganized, themed city blocks.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Praça dos Trés Poderes

    Praça dos Trés Poderes

    Brasília

    This square is a focal point of the city design, a synthesis of the ideas of architects Niemeyer and Costa, combining various monuments, museums and…

  • Congresso Nacional

    Congresso Nacional

    Brasília

    Featuring photogenic roof ‘dishes’ and twin towers, the Congresso Nacional has one of the more interesting interiors in the city. In addition to the color…

  • Palácio da Alvorada

    Palácio da Alvorada

    Brasília

    The official presidential residence, the Palácio da Alvorada, is a Niemeyer building constructed in 1958. It was the first edifice in the city to be…

  • Palácio do Itamaraty

    Palácio do Itamaraty

    Brasília

    Palácio do Itamaraty is home to the Foreign Ministry and one of Brasília's most impressive buildings – a series of concrete arches towering over Burle…

  • Palácio do Planalto

    Palácio do Planalto

    Brasília

    The Palácio do Planalto, where Brazil's president works, is another Niemeyer design that's worth seeing inside and out. From the curved lines of the…

  • Museu Nacional

    Museu Nacional

    Brasília

    This landmark white dome, gleaming in the sun, was opened to the public on the 100th birthday of architect Oscar Niemeyer. The inside is softer in grays…

  • Santuário Dom Bosco

    Santuário Dom Bosco

    Brasília

    Santuário Dom Bosco is made of 80 concrete columns that support 7400 pieces of illuminated Murano glass, symbolizing a starry sky, which cast a blue…

  • Catedral Metropolitana

    Catedral Metropolitana

    Brasília

    The 16 curved ribs rising to the crown of the iconic exterior coupled with the light-filled circular interior, which sits under a dome of wavy stained…

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