Terra da Garoa
Brasília architecture
Brazil is a continental giant, occupying nearly half of South America and serving as the world's largest producer of coffee for over 150 years. It is a nation defined by its vibrant cultural melting pot, ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the world-famous Carnival celebrations in Rio.
- 15Landmarks
- 1958Oldest · Palácio da Alvorada
- 224 mTallest · Brasília TV Tower
- 5Architects
Before you go
- Fly intoGuarulhos Int'l (GRU)
As the primary international gateway to Brazil, Guarulhos is the busiest airport in South America by passenger volume. It is a massive complex that was significantly modernized for the World Cup and Olympics, featuring a dedicated terminal for long-haul international flights with extensive luxury amenities.
- CurrencyBrazilian Real (R$)
- LanguagePortuguese
Portuguese is the sole official language and is spoken with a musical, open accent that differs significantly from the European version. Most locals appreciate any effort to speak 'Português' and are very patient with learners.
- Getting aroundCuritiba BRT & Metrô
Curitiba was the global pioneer of the 'Bus as a Train' concept, using iconic glass tube stations for level boarding. São Paulo's Metrô is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world, serving millions of passengers across six lines. Rio de Janeiro utilizes the 'Bondinho' tram in Santa Teresa and a modern VLT light rail system in the revitalized port area.
15 landmarks in Brasília
-
Photo: Tissiana de A. de Souza, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Cathedral of Brasília
Esplanada dos Ministérios, Brasília - DF, 70050-000
A modernist masterpiece featuring 16 curved concrete columns weighing 90 tons each. The design represents hands reaching toward heaven, with a nave bathed in light from vast stained-glass panels. Visitors enter through a dark underground tunnel to experience a dramatic transition into the bright, airy interior.
- Built
- 1970
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 40 m (131 ft)
- Stories
- 1
- Today
- Religious Site / Landmark
-
Photo: Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons National Congress of Brazil
Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília - DF, 70160-900
The center of Brazilian legislative power, consisting of twin 28-story towers flanked by a convex dome (Chamber of Deputies) and a concave dome (Federal Senate). It is arguably the most famous silhouette in the city, symbolizing the balance of the nation's political structure.
- Built
- 1960
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 92 m (302 ft)
- Stories
- 28
- Today
- Legislative Seat
-
Photo: Diego Baravelli, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Itamaraty Palace
Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco H, Brasília - DF, 70170-900
Also known as the 'Palace of the Arches,' this is the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It features a facade of concrete arches over a reflecting pool. The interior is a marvel of engineering, boasting a grand spiral staircase and large open halls without any supporting columns.
- Built
- 1970
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 15 m (49 ft)
- Stories
- 3
- Today
- Government Office / Museum
-
Photo: Agência Brasília, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge
Setor de Clubes Esportivos Sul, Brasília - DF
A striking steel bridge with three asymmetrical arches that 'hop' across Lake Paranoá. The design mimics the movement of a stone skipping across water. It has become a symbol of the city’s modernity and is a popular spot for viewing the sunset over the lake.
- Built
- 2002
- Architect
- Alexandre Chan
- Style
- Contemporary / Expressionist
- Height
- 60 m (197 ft)
- Stories
- 1
- Today
- Infrastructure / Landmark
-
Photo: Ministério da Cultura, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Palácio da Alvorada
Via Presidencial, Brasília - DF, 70150-903
The official residence of the President of Brazil. Its name translates to 'Palace of the Dawn.' The building is famous for its iconic white marble columns, which have become a logo for the city of Brasília itself. It sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Paranoá.
- Built
- 1958
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 18 m (59 ft)
- Stories
- 3
- Today
- Presidential Residence
-
Photo: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Brasília TV Tower
Eixo Monumental, Brasília - DF, 70070-300
One of the few major landmarks not designed by Niemeyer, this iron tower offers the best panoramic view of the 'airplane' layout of the city. An observation deck at 75 meters provides a clear view of the Monumental Axis. It is a hub for local craft markets and street food.
- Built
- 1967
- Architect
- Lúcio Costa
- Style
- Modernist / Industrial
- Height
- 224 m (735 ft)
- Stories
- 4
- Today
- Telecommunications / Observation
-
National Museum of the Republic
Setor Cultural Sul, Lote 2, Brasília - DF, 70070-150
A semi-spherical white dome that looks like a planet emerging from the ground. It features an external ramp that winds around the building to the entrance. The museum hosts traveling art exhibitions and is part of the Cultural Complex of the Republic.
- Built
- 2006
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist / Futurist
- Height
- 26 m (85 ft)
- Stories
- 2
- Today
- Museum
-
Photo: Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Memorial JK
Eixo Monumental, Praça do Cruzeiro, Brasília - DF
A museum and mausoleum dedicated to Juscelino Kubitschek, the president who founded Brasília. It contains his tomb, personal library, and artifacts from the city's construction. The exterior features a prominent curved pedestal supporting a statue of the president.
- Built
- 1981
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 28 m (92 ft)
- Stories
- 2
- Today
- Museum / Memorial
-
Sanctuary of Don Bosco
SEPS 702, Lote B, Brasília - DF, 70330-710
Famous for its 80 towering columns and walls made almost entirely of blue Murano glass. The light filtering through the glass creates an immersive 'underwater' blue atmosphere inside. It honors the Italian saint who supposedly had a prophetic vision of Brasília in 1883.
- Built
- 1970
- Architect
- Carlos Alberto Naves
- Style
- Modernist / Gothic Influence
- Height
- 30 m (98 ft)
- Stories
- 1
- Today
- Religious Site
-
Photo: Luis Dantas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Cláudio Santoro National Theater
Setor Cultural Norte, Via N2, Brasília - DF, 70070-200
Designed in the shape of a truncated pyramid, this is the largest building designed by Niemeyer specifically for the arts. Its lateral facades are covered in an abstract concrete relief. It houses three main halls named after famous musicians and composers.
- Built
- 1966
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 25 m (82 ft)
- Stories
- 4
- Today
- Theater
-
Pontão do Lago Sul
SHIS QL 10, Lote 1/30, Brasília - DF, 71630-115
A premier lakeside leisure complex that serves as a modern gathering point for locals. While not a single building, its design integrates multiple structures into a scenic waterfront park featuring walkways, palm trees, and piers overlooking Lake Paranoá.
- Built
- 2001
- Architect
- Various
- Style
- Contemporary
- Height
- 8 m (26 ft)
- Stories
- 1
- Today
- Dining / Leisure Hub
-
Photo: Senado Federal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Palácio do Planalto
Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília - DF, 70150-900
The official workplace of the President. Like the Alvorada, it features elegant, thin columns that suggest a 'floating' structure. It is located on the Praça dos Três Poderes and is where the presidential sash is handed over during inaugurations.
- Built
- 1960
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 20 m (66 ft)
- Stories
- 4
- Today
- Executive Office
-
Photo: Everton137, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Supreme Federal Court
Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília - DF, 70175-900
The third pillar of the Three Powers Plaza, this building is known for its classic Niemeyer arches and 'The Blind Justice' sculpture by Alfredo Ceschiatti sitting in front. It maintains the architectural language of the Planalto Palace to signify equality between branches of government.
- Built
- 1960
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 16 m (52 ft)
- Stories
- 3
- Today
- Judicial Seat
-
National Library of Brasília
Setor Cultural Sul, Lote 2, Brasília - DF, 70070-150
A sleek, rectangular concrete and glass structure that sits adjacent to the National Museum. It represents the 'modernity of knowledge' and features expansive reading rooms with views of the Monumental Axis. It is a key part of the city's cultural sector.
- Built
- 2008
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 22 m (72 ft)
- Stories
- 4
- Today
- Library
-
Pantheon of Liberty and Democracy
Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília - DF
Built in the shape of a dove, this monument honors those who fought for democracy in Brazil. Inside, the 'Book of National Heroes' records the names of figures who impacted the nation's history. It was built following the restoration of civilian rule in the 1980s.
- Built
- 1986
- Architect
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Style
- Modernist
- Height
- 12 m (39 ft)
- Stories
- 2
- Today
- Monument / Museum
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