Adelaide's Travel Notes - Brazil

Brazil
Brasília

Brasília is the capital of Brazil. Located in the Central Plateau, in the interior of the country, it was constructed during the government of Juscelino Kubitschek and inaugurated on April 21st 1960. The first constitution of Brazil after the proclamation of Republic already determined the transfer of the capital to the interior, in order to better integrate the country.

The city was designed by the architect and urban planner Lucia Costa and the most important buildings were designed by his friend and fellow architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 1987, its architectural works were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Personally, I don't appreciate the architecture of this city, which I visited briefly after a trip to the Chapada dos Veadeiros.

The Praça dos Três Poderes (The Three Powers Square) abridges the buildings that symbolize the powers that governate Brazil: Executive, Legislative and Judiciary.

The building of the National Congress comprises the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. Underground passages conect the Congress to the annexes that were built later to supply the evergrowing demand of offices for the congressmen.

Palácio do Planalto, where the offices of the president and his cabinet are located. It is also a place for official events and receptions.

Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Court), also located at the Praça dos Três Poderes. In front of it there is a statue of a blindfolded women. Pity that justice is not always so fair as symbolized by the statue...
Doesn't it look like a reduced scale version of the Palácio do Planalto?

The Palácio do Itamaraty is the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the water mirror that surrounds it stands out the sculpture "Metheor", by Bruno Giorgi. I find it one of Brasília's most attractive buildings.

Palácio da Alvorada, official residence of the president of Brazil. The shape of its columns became a symbol of the city.

The Cathedral of Brasília, inaugurated in 1967, was originally conceived as an ecumenical church. Of modest dimensions, its nave is illuminated by the natural light that penetrates through its large stained glass windows. Outside there are four huge statues representing the evangelists.

The Central Plateau, due to its subsoil rich in crystals, is considered by many as a mystic region, attracting followers of the most diverse creeds and cults.

Links
The city guide of Brasília, by Augusto Cesar B. Areal
Brasília Convention & Visitors Bureau (in Portuguese)
Turismo em Brasília (in Portuguese)
Brasília, by Jacob Moerschel