Brasilia has been Brazil's magnificent capital since 1960. The entire city is an architectural masterpiece and is counted among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through this vast project, President Juscelino Kubitschek had a city built that symbolizes all the aspirations of Brazilians and its visitors: a magnificent place blending modernism and simplicity. Each building is a work of art bearing a powerful symbol. Its architect, Lúcio Costa, seems to have drawn inspiration from the country's motto: "order and progress."

History

Rio de Janeiro was Brazil's capital from 1763 to 1960, but its leaders later realized that government activities needed to be consolidated in a location much closer to the country's center. They then set out to build a new city: Brasilia.

A first plan was conceived in 1827 by José Bonifácio. Later, Saint John Bosco, or Don Bosco, was said to have had a vision of a futuristic city featuring an artificial lake.

The project only came to fruition in 1956. To honor his campaign promises, President Juscelino Kubitschek initiated the work. To design the city's plans, architect Lúcio Costa appears to have drawn inspiration from Saint John Bosco's vision, as well as from the country's motto: "order and progress."

He then imagined a futuristic and orderly city shaped like a bird spreading its wings, with an artificial lake and residential buildings in its wake.

Construction began in 1957 and was completed in 1960, in a record timeframe of 41 months. Brasilia was inaugurated on April 21, 1960.

Brasilia Today

Seen from above, the city is shaped like a bird spreading its wings. Its head appears to be "haloed" by an artificial lake, Lake Paranoá. It is surrounded by residential areas.

Rich in symbolism, the bird itself is divided into two parts: its central section houses the presidential palace, government buildings, major economic centers, the Cathedral and the television tower, while its wings shelter residential neighborhoods as well as botanical gardens.

The city's layout and the arrangement of its monuments seem to form an allegory. The bird symbolizes Brazil. Its wings are the people who carry it high. At its head, the president in his presidential palace. In its heart, Christianity in Brasilia's Cathedral. The television tower, in turn, allows one to contemplate the bird, thus symbolizing the media that watches over the people and the government's actions.

Every building in the city is an architectural masterpiece. Most were designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. The Alvorada Presidential Palace, the Three Powers Plaza, the JK Memorial, the Cathedral and the Itimaraty Palace are wonderfully realized structures. They transform walks through the downtown into an unprecedented experience full of surprises.

For those who particularly enjoy strolling through green spaces, Parque da Cidade, Olhos d'Água Park and Parque Ecológico Roberto Burle Marx have been developed in the downtown area for everyone to enjoy.

The immediate outskirts of this modern city also abound with monuments and magnificent, charming places. Among them are the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, the Zoo and the Brasília National Park.

What to Do in Brasilia?

Exploring the City

Everything is waiting to be discovered in this metropolis of modernism. Along the city's central axis, you can notably admire the Palace of Dawn, the presidential palace. Oscar Niemeyer seemed to want to illuminate anyone who beheld it through the richness of glass and metal materials, as well as through the sun's reflection on the water basin and garden surrounding it.

Further down, on the Three Powers Plaza, or Praça dos Três Poderes, artist Oscar Niemeyer also left his signature with a series of buildings combining modernism, simplicity and evoking fascination in visitors. Here you will find the Palácio do Planalto, where the presidency carries out its functions, the National Congress and the Federal Supreme Court.

Further in, Brasilia's Cathedral is composed of sixteen arches joined at their apex, thus forming a chalice upon which rests a cross. Outside, you can admire four large statues representing Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke and Saint John. The entire cathedral is surrounded by a magnificent water basin. The interior is bathed in a soothing blue light.

A visit to Brasilia would be incomplete without passing through the JK Memorial. This monument is the tomb of the city's founder, President Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira. This structure is the work of French artist Marianne Peretti.

There is still much to see, such as the Dom Bosco Sanctuary, the National Museum, the Chapel of Our Lady of Fátima, the Pedro Calmon Theater, Parque da Cidade, the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge and the city's various botanical parks.

Participating in Various Festivals

Like elsewhere in Brazil, large local and international festivals are regularly held in Brasilia. Among them are the Catholic celebration of Festas Juninas in June, the Independence Day Parade on September 7, the Brazilian Film Festival and the International Dance Seminar of Brasilia.

Tasting Local Cuisine

The city is full of good restaurants offering typically Brazilian dishes as well as international gastronomy. Most of them are located in the Asa Sul district.

Discovering Sites on the Periphery of Brasilia

The Itiquira Waterfall is a magnificent water cascade located 115 kilometers from Brasilia. It is the second highest waterfall in the country. Fresh water indeed falls from a height of 168 meters. It stands in the middle of a magnificent and lush tropical forest. This fascinating place is part of a protected municipal park accessible to tourists.

Two to four hours by bus or taxi from Brasilia takes you to the small municipality of Pirenópolis. All the charm of this place comes from the calm and simplicity of the surroundings. In contrast to the country's capital, this city has been laid out like a vast peaceful countryside garden, warm and welcoming.

Climate

The region enjoys a dry tropical highland climate. The average monthly temperature is generally above 18°C. The best time to visit Brasilia would be between May and August, when temperatures range from 15 to 27°C. During this period, showers are infrequent.

The time of year when rain can fall quite frequently is between November and March.

The city is served by Brasilia International Airport. It can accommodate international flights as well as domestic flights from major Brazilian cities.

It is also possible to travel by bus from Rio de Janeiro. The average journey time is 17 hours.

The city benefits from a good bus network running not only through downtown but also through its residential areas.

To visit the main attractions of the capital, it is also possible to hail a taxi and indicate the site you wish to explore.

The metro is mainly intended for visiting the capital's satellite cities such as Taguatinga, Guará, Ceilândia, Águas Claras, Samambaia and the south wing of Brasilia.