Nearly all of Brasilia's architectural sites are on the eastern part of the Monumental Axis.
The Three Powers Square (Praça dos Três Poderes) at the extreme end of the axis includes the seats of the country's 3 highest authorities: the Congress, the Presidential Palace (called Palácio do Planalto) and the Supreme Court. The axis itself is aligned such that on April 21 (Tiradentes Day, marking the death of a Brazilian independence martyr), the sun rises precisely between the two towers of Congress. The bronze statue of two abstract figures is named Os Candangos and represents the pioneering spirit of the workers who built the city. There's also a "blind justice" statue by the Supreme Court, a small museum and a model, built to scale, of Brasilia itself. As of 2009 the Presidential Palace is closed to visitors due to restoration works, which will last until april 2010.
The façade of the Palace of Justice has waterfalls that contrast with its stern geometrical beauty
Itamaraty Palace which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stands out among the ministry buildings at Esplanada dos Ministérios and is open for guided visits from 2pm-4:30 pm on weekdays and Sat-Sun 10am-3:30pm. Tel. 3411-6148 .
Brasilia Cathedral is midway along the axis. With its sixteen curved 90-ton concrete pillars and stained-glass panels, is one of the world's most amazing modernist buildings. Mon and Sat 8am-5pm, Tue-Fri and Sun 8am-6pm. Tel. 3224-4073
The TV Tower at sunset
Television Tower - In the middle of the Monumental axis, It's the best place for a sweeping panorama of the city. There is also a crafts and typical food market on the basis of the tower. Open tue-sun 08h-20h. Entrance is free.
The Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial on the western part of the axis is a museum dedicated to the life and accomplishments of the president, and houses his remains as well. It's located underground and has a slightly spooky 1960's science-fiction feel to it.
Palácio da Alvorada (Palace of Dawn) - The President's official residence. Its arches are icons of the capital.
Public works of art - Some of the finest Brazilian artists have created works in Brasilia: Burle Marx (landscape design), Athos Bulcão (geometric tile panels), Oscar Niemeyer (buildings and sculptures) Ceschiatti and Bruno Giorgio (sculptures). These can be seen on the streets, open air and for free.
Brasília City Tour - A tour by bus that visits almost all the main attractions listed in this article. Tel. +55 61 9298-9416 / 9304-2107 / 9304-1346 / 3356-1707 / 3964-9122 . Leaves everyday from the TV Tower at 10h and 17h.
The "wing" sectors, while mostly residential, contain a few notable buildings:
Dom Bosco Church, Av. W3 sul, quadra 702. A beautiful modern church built on concrete and blue stained glass. Bosco was a 19th-century Italian priest whose writings, some say, prophesied the creation of Brasilia. It's impossible not to notice the huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the square church.
Besides the outstanding architecture and art, Brasilia also has attractions on the natural side:
Bridge over the Paranoa Lake
Paranoá Lake - Pontão has lakeside restaurants and a park while the Ermida Dom Bosco (near SHIS QI 29, bus line 100/123) chapel provides gorgeous views of the city from across the Lake, an excellent place to watch Brasilia's famous sunsets. You can swim in the lake at the Ecological Park next to the Ermida. You also can swim in the Centro Olímpico of the Univerdade de Brasília.
City Park (Parque da Cidade) - Slightly larger than NYC's Central Park, this wide green area is the city's hot spot for sports such as jogging, cycling, skating and even kart racing, as well as barbecues and other outdoor activities.
Brasilia National Park - Cerrado vegetation and fauna, plus natural swimming pools.
Poço Azul - A waterfall forming beautiful blue pools on a quartz rock.
Parque Olhos D'Água - A park in the northern wing of the city that is mainly used for jogging. It also has many springs, streams and a small pond. Many of its facilities include a playground and two outdoor gyms.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Brasilia
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Brasilia - updated May 2024
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Brasilia Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
