brasilia architecture tour

Brasilia Architecture Tours: Walking Guide

Walking Tours, Brazilian Building Guides, Architectural Walks, Architects

Brasilia Architecture Tours

Brazilian Architecture Guides – Exclusive City Walks tailor made for groups visiting Brasilia

page updated 12 Aug 2020

Brasilia Walking Tours

Book your city guide: isabelle(at)e-architect.com

Brazilian Architecture Tour: Exclusive Guided Walks

e-architect have architectural tour guides in most of the key cities in South America.

Our Brazilian guided tours are all tailored to suit each booking we do not allow for bookings to be joined. Our guided tours in Brazilian are all exclusive to each client.

Should you be planning an office trip, a conference, or university trip in Brazilian please contact us and we would be happy to take your booking.

Brasilia – Introduction

This city is the federal capital of Brazil and the capital of the Federal District. The city is located along the Brazilian Highlands in the country’s Central-West region. It was founded in 1960, to serve as the new national capital. Brasília had an estimated population of 2,790,000 in 2013, making it the 4th most populous city in Brazil.

Among major Latin American cities, Brasília has the highest GDP per capita.

Brasília was planned and developed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer in 1956 in order to move the capital from Rio de Janeiro to a more central location. The landscape architect was Roberto Burle Marx. The city’s design divides it into numbered blocks as well as sectors for specified activities, such as the Hotel Sector, the Banking Sector and the Embassy Sector. Brasília was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its modernist architecture.

The city has a unique status in Brazil, as it is an administrative division rather than a legal municipality like other cities in Brazil. Nationally, the term is almost always used synonymously with the Federal District, which constitutes an indivisible Federative Unit, analogous to a state. Several “satellite cities” (suburbs) are also part of the Federal District.

The centers of all three branches of the federal government of Brazil are in Brasília, including the Congress, President, and Supreme Court. The city also hosts 124 foreign embassies. Brasília International Airport is the third busiest airport in Brazil.

The city was the main host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and hosted the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

It will be the host city of 2019 Summer Universiade.

Famous buildings / built projects in Brasilia include the National Congress of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitschek bridge, Monumental Axis, Palácio da Alvorada and Cathedral of Brasília.

Brasilia Architecture Walking Tours

Brasilia Architectural Tours can focus on traditional buildings, contemporary buildings or both. The Brasilia Architecture Tour can be an introduction to the city’s main buildings or can be tailored to your group’s interests.

Walking Tours of Brasilia can involve advice (for an agreed fee) ahead of trips about types and areas of Brazilian buildings.

We are more than happy to accommodate your needs and interests on our Brazilian Architecture Tours.

We can provide information on programme, geographical areas and building types up to a year ahead of your Brazilian architectural tour. For example a group of architects interested in innovative Brasilia office buildings could be provided with tailored information allowing a tour programme to be agreed prior to their visit to Brazil.

Visitors can be met from the Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport or their accommodation. Alternatively guests can be met at the starting point (most typical scenario) of their architecture walking tour in Brasil.

Combine your architectural tour with a visit to other Brazilian cities – we have guides in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo:

Rio de Janeiro Architecture Walking Tours

São Paulo Architecture Tours

Contact Isabelle Lomholt to arrange your Brasilia architectural tour on mob. +44 (0)7952 149814 or isabelle(at)e-architect.com

Payments must be made in full prior to the Brazil architectural tour.

Architecture Tours

e-architect also organise architecture walking tours in other cities such as Mexico City, New York and London.

Architecture Walking Tours

Byte Building in Brasilia

Mané Garrincha Stadium Brasília

Building Tours Selection

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Brazilian Architecture Design – chronological list

Brazilian Architecture News

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Oscar Niemeyer Architect , Brasil

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Brasilia Tours

On one of our customized Brasilia tours, explore what the capital city is known for: it’s impressive architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Brasilia was designed by the forward-thinking Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and the city planner Lúcio Costa in 1960. Their detailed city planning and balanced design for the federal seat of government continues to impress architects and city planners today. Experience the essence of Brasilia on any of our fully-custom trips to Brazil . Consider adding the marvelous  Rio de Janeiro  to any of our Brasilia tour itineraries for one complete  Brazil travel package ! Update: Brazil Covid-19 Travel – Brazil is open for travel again!  Brazil reopened to tourists several months ago and we’re delighted to be operating trips again! Read More ⌄

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Facts about Brasilia

Brasilia is a city remarkable for many reasons:

• For its airplane-like street layout (the wings accommodate the residents of Brasilia and the cockpit is the political center).
• The city was built in 41 months. President Juscelino Kubitschek, who came to power promising 50 years progress in 5 years, has been said to be the reincarnation of Pharaoh Aknaton, who about 3,500 years ago, built a planned city in his own country much like President Kubitschek. Egyptologist Yara Kern defends her thesis by pointing out several coincidences between the history and the architecture of both cities.
• The strong lines and contrasting curves of its architecture are what draws the most attention. Oscar Niemeyer said that the curves of the buildings are symbolic of Brazilian women. A building that reflects this is The National Congress (Brasilia’s signature building) with its long linear shapes and graceful curves. One of Niemeyer’s favorite tricks was to show buildings suspended off the ground, which he accomplished by pillar design. This technique can be seen in the Supreme Court, Presidential Residence, and Presidential Palace.
• Here’s a fun fact: the Foreign Ministry and the Palace of Justice are two of the most outstanding buildings, especially since they were built without air-conditioning in a climate that is arid most of the year. But, the buildings allow the breeze to come through almost every corner!

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60 Years Ago, The Modernist City of Brasília Was Built From Scratch

By Stefanie Waldek

There are few cities in the world that fascinate architecture lovers as much as Brasília, the Brazilian capital built from nothing over an impressively short five-year span in the mid-20th century. When it was inaugurated in 1960, it was unlike any other city in the world, with a radical, artistic urban plan by Lúcio Costa, striking edifices by Oscar Niemeyer, and its avant-garde landscape design by Roberto Burle Marx. “At this time, Brasília was seen as a modern utopia that expressed optimism and trust in the future,” says Dr. Steffen Lehmann, director of the University of Las Vegas’ School of Architecture and the former UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Urban Development. Its bold monumentality demonstrated how Brazil wanted to be perceived by the world: a progressive power. Sixty years later, the metropolis is still lauded as one of the most impressive projects of the 20th century, but perhaps only in the history books. In practice, Brasília has struggled to maintain its original identity as a city of the future.

Completed in 1970, Cathedral of Brasília quickly became one of the most recognizable structures in the country.

Despite being a 20th-century city, Brasília’s roots date back to 1789, when revolutionary Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, also known as Tiradentes, first proposed the idea of moving the capital from coastal Rio de Janeiro to a centralized location in the interior of the country. The notion was entered into Brazil’s constitution in 1891, but the plan was not carried out until 1956, under President Juscelino Kubitschek.

A view inside of Oscar Niemeyer's Cathedral of Brasília.

By the mid-20th century, the idea of a planned community was somewhat common in a number of countries across the world—the United States, for instance, which, as a relatively young nation, laid quite a bit of groundwork for the concept. Its own capital city, Washington D.C., had the benefit of being planned from scratch at the turn of the 19th century, as did the Australian capital of Canberra, which followed a century later. But Costa had a unique vision for the layout of the city that diverged from the grand axial plans of Washington and Canberra, which he submitted to Kubitschek’s public contest to design the new capital. Dubbed the Plano Piloto , or Pilot Plan, it would take a curvaceous crossed form that many have likened to a plane or a flying bird, a symbol of progress. It would have a centralized hub for a series of monumental government structures—the Square of Three Powers—as well as residential blocks and green space, all designed around a system of highways. After all, a car-based society was the future. Kubitschek selected Costa’s vision as the winner, and the architect enlisted the help of his good friend Niemeyer, with whom he designed Brazilian pavilion for the 1939 World's Fair in New York, to create the structures that would fill it.

Niemeyer was a visionary of the Brazilian modernist movement, drawing inspiration from Le Corbusier, and he brought a firm sense of futurism to Brasília with stark white structures with sculptural silhouettes: the crown-like Cathedral of Brasília would become one of his most iconic works. While the rest of the world saw these structures as visionary, they were part of the zeitgeist of midcentury Brazil. “We must remember, nowhere else was modernist architecture so enthusiastically embraced and adopted as a national style as in Brazil in the 1940s and ’50s,” says Dr. Lehmann.

An aerial view of Brasilia from the a television tower overlooking the city shows the work of landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.

By David Sokol

By Sarah Archer

By Chelsea Hodson

Despite Brasília’s reputation as a modernist icon, some critics question the city’s adherence to modernist principles. “In some ways, it was a disappointment in terms of development and the modern movement, because the plan relates much more to Classicism or Neoclassicism or Baroque with the isolated monument to the government center,” says Brian Carter, a professor of architecture at the University of Buffalo. “That is seen as being something which is very different from the aspirations of the modern movement, which was more egalitarian.”

Oscar Niemayer's design for the National Congress of Brazil.

Modernist philosophy aside, the largest critical issue with the Brasília is the very same infrastructure that made it so pioneering. “The original ambition to create a progressive city that would guarantee a good quality of life to all its residents has not totally come to fruition,” says Miami-based architect Kobi Karp. “A good example of that is how the city lacks the typical street life of other traditional Brazilian cities. The majority of people travel in for work and leave to go home at night, not many live and play in the Pilot Plan area.” While the concept of a car-centric city was exciting and novel in the midcentury, global society has since grown to value mixed-use urban plans that have compact, walkable areas. In this sense, Brasília’s plan is far too rigid, a problem exacerbated by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which limits redevelopment, despite the city’s significant population growth.

“Brasília is now the fourth-largest city in the country and the home to more than 2.5 million people, yet fewer than 10 percent are residents of the Pilot Plan area. The others live outside in the suburban sprawl,” says Dr. Lehmann. “While the original nucleus accommodates mainly the upper middle class and politicians, by far the greater portion of the population, covering a wider social range, lives in the 27 surrounding satellite towns.” Those satellite towns, akin to Brazil’s favelas, were not intended to be part of Costa’s final concept, but they developed organically to hold the Plano Pilato ’s overflow, and today they highlight the socioeconomic disparity that troubles many major cities around the world, and especially those in Brazil.

Outside of the iconic Museu Nacional da República.

Yet there’s still a sense of pride in the capital city. “If you speak with residents of Brasília, they immediately will tell you how much they love their city and that they would never move to any other Brazilian city,” says Dr. Lehmann. And it’s important to recognize the city’s successes, too, namely in the progressive ideals of the concept, the monumental and now iconic architecture, and the remarkable speed at which the development was completed.

“When I think about Brasília, I’m still in disbelief regarding the ability to realize a dream of such scale and ambition, which is totally unprecedented,” says Boston-based architect Amir Kripper, who was born in Brazil. “At the same time, it makes me hopeful that with the right political environment, a brighter future is possible and achievable.”

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Rachel Davies

A Capital Architectural Tour of Brasilia

When writer Paula de la Cruz last visited Brazil, she didn't go for the beaches. She went to Rio de Janeiro for urban gardens, Manaus for old-world culture, and Brasília for modern architecture.

BRASÍLIA – The plans for building Brasília, the new Brazilian capital in the center of the country, date back to 1827 and the reign of Emperor Pedro I. The futuristic city imagined by Italian saint Don Bosco was finally built between 1956 and 1961. Oscar Niemeyer designed the sterile buildings to fit with Lucio Costa's Communist-influenced urban planning and Roberto Burle Marx designed the landscape with plants from the Amazon and Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

PALÁCIO ITAMARATY

Palácio Itamaraty  (Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco H) is the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and one of the most magnificent Oscar Niemeyer buildings in Brasília. The reception rooms are big enough to display a 750 square-foot Persian carpet, a gift from Queen Elizabeth II, and make it look like a bath mat. The fountain and terrace and first-floor gardens were designed by Burle Marx, with plants from the Amazon.

The view of Brasília from Restaurante Escola.

A riff on traditional tiling in Salão Verde.

SALÃO VERDE

The dynamic blue and white tiled wall in Niemeyer's favorite building, Salão Verde of Congresso Nacional , pays homage to traditional Portuguese tin-glazed tiles.The tile mural by Athos Bulcão, one of Neimeyer's main collaborators in the construction of Brasília, is based on a large design printed on tiles that were then rearranged in no particular order. To see all of Bulcão's murals around Brasília, visit Rota dos Azulejos , organized by Experimente Brasília. If you want your own tile mural, Fundaçao Athos Bulcão takes commissions and ships overseas.

RESTAURANTE ESCOLA

Niemeyer's obsession with monumental concrete can get exhausting, especially if you attempt to walk between buildings, which are huge and far apart. While at Congresso Nacional, replenish your energy with a Brazilian buffet at Restaurante Escola (Praça dos Três Poderes, Complexo Administrativo da Câmara dos Deputados, anexo IV, tenth floor; +55-61-3216-9887). In addition to great food, you'll get the best views of the city.

PALÁCIO DO PLANALTO

Niemeyer made Le Corbusier (his mentor and his inspiration) proud when he designed the Palácio do Planalto (Praça dos Três Poderes; +55-61-3411-1221), the official workplace of the President of Brazil, with marble columns inspired by fishing boat sails. Joaquim Cardoso was the genius engineer who turned Niemeyer's design into concrete reality, literally.

The marble columns of Palácio do Planalto.

Niemeyer's hotel, Brasília Palace.

Divine visuals at Santuário Dom Bosco.

SANTUÁRIO DOM BOSCO

The innocuous exterior does not prepare you for Claudio Neves' stained glass light display that gives Santuário Dom Bosco (Seps 702/902, Lote B, Asa Sul; +55-61-3223-6542) its sense of holiness. When Brasília's impossibly white light filters through more than 100,000 small glass panels in twelve shades of blue, you will want to be a god, or at least a modern version of one, and live here. The church is popular among engaged couples, who wait years to marry here.

BRASILIA PALACE

Brasília Palace , the only hotel in Brasília designed by Niemeyer, is one of the city's first buildings. Opened in 1958, the hotel served as the official residence of President Juscelino Kubitschek until Palácio da Alvoradawas was finished a few months later. After a fire in 1978, Brasília Palace fell into disrepair and was closed until 2006, when real estate magnate Paulo Octavio restored it under Niemeyer's close supervision. Embodying the best of Brasília's socialist urban planning, the hotel is a respite from the city's concrete, especially during hot months. If you don't stay here, at least book a table for lunch at open-air Oscar restaurant.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLY: Delta flies daily to Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International airport (BSB), a much easier port of entry than Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo.

WHERE TO STAY

Brasília Palace is not just a landmark, but also a great place to relax by the pool under the spotless sky.

FOR YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE

Building Brasilia by Marcel Gautherot is beautiful book filled with contemporary photography about the building of Brazil's capital city.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

A Naturalist Tour of Rio de Janeiro A History Tour of Manaus, the Amazon's Biggest City Nature Is Yours Alone at Brazil's Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.

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Discovering Brasília: Brazil’s Architectural Marvel

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, stands as a testament to modernist architecture and innovative urban planning. Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and the urban planner Lúcio Costa, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re wondering what to do in Brasília, this guide will lead you through its most captivating spots.

Architectural Wonders

Brasília: private custom tour with a local guide.

Experience Brasília through the eyes of a local guide. Explore its iconic structures, delve into its history, and uncover hidden gems. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveler, this tour offers a personalized journey through the city’s landmarks.

Connectivity On-the-Go

South america country data esim: 0.5gb/daily to 10gb-30 days.

Stay connected during your travels in Brasília and across South America with this eSIM offering daily data. Simply scan the QR code to set up, and enjoy seamless internet connectivity, enhancing your travel experience.

Brasília, with its futuristic design and cultural significance, offers a unique experience for travelers. From its architectural masterpieces to its vibrant urban life, the city invites exploration and admiration. Dive in and experience the charm of Brazil’s capital!

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Brasília Architecture Guide: 16 Projects to Understand the Scale of the Brazilian Capital

• Written by Julia Daudén | Translated by Diogo Simões
• Published on January 18, 2023

From the 19th century onwards, with the Industrial Revolution, the growing population, and the ever-more pressing demands for urban space in Europe, the first reflections on the city emerged. More than that, the process of disciplinary structuring of urban design begins as a theory and practice inherent to the new historical moment that was being consolidated and would have its product, concerning cities, as an attribute of the 20th century. Within this disciplinary logic, configured from a social or political demand linked to militaristic pretensions of order and urban control, the 20th century was the stage for the entire development of this industrial society, which had the city as its horizon.

Brasília: the experience of urban thinking and, more than that, urban planning, proposed at that time in Europe, involves several initiatives and propositions that generate a great debate in the northern continent regarding the practice of the city. This discussion would sometimes be more associated with a strong political character, sometimes a more formal one, from a more operational and bureaucratic perspective of what planning means. In this sense, when, in the 1950s, the then president of the republic of Brazil , Juscelino Kubitschek, took on the goal of his government to transfer the country's capital to the Midwest and, above all, build this new city, this whole purposeful debate emerges in Brazil.

It is possible to understand Brasília as a real game of scales in dialogue. Some do not notice the precise way the transition takes place between the great Monumental Axis, linked to Oscar Niemeyer's congress buildings, or the superblocks of the everyday life of the citizen of Brasilia . Instead, they perceive only a city of distant spaces that cannot be traversed or endowed with human value. This type of perception disregards in every way the historical dimension of the city's project and its claim as a modern symbol and a new direction for society. This game created some situations in the city, marked by iconic buildings or landmarks that deserve to be visited and that gain a new perception of the city's image. Below, we have put together a selection of places that make up an architecture guide to the capital of Brazil.

• Pilot Plan Bus Station / Lúcio Costa

Location: Brasília Road Axis - Brasília, DF, 70297-400 Year: 1960

Telecom Tower / Lúcio Costa

Location: TV Tower - SDN, Brasília - Brasília, DF, Year: 1967

• Three Powers Plaza / Lúcio Costa (plan) and Oscar Niemeyer (buildings)

Location: Three Powers Plaza - Brasília, DF, 70100-000 Year: 1960

Honestino Guimarães National Museum / Oscar Niemeyer

Location: Southern Cultural Sector, lot 2, near the Pilot Plan Bus Station - Zone 0 Year: 2006

• Metropolitan Cathedral Nossa Senhora Aparecida / Oscar Niemeyer

Location: Esplanada dos Ministérios, lot 12 - Brasília, DF, 70050-000 Year: 1970

• Alvorada Palace / Oscar Niemeyer

Location: Civic-Administrative Area - Brasília, DF, 70150-903 Year: 1957

• JK Memorial / Oscar Niemeyer

Location: Civic-Administrative Area Cruzeiro Square - West Side, Brasília - DF, 70070-300 Year: 1981

Esplanada dos Ministérios (Monumental Axis) / Lúcio Costa (plan) and Oscar Niemeyer (buildings)

Location: Esplanada dos Ministérios - Brasília, DF, 70050-000 Year: 1960

• Central Science Institute of the University of Brasilia / Oscar Niemeyer

Location: UnB - Brasília, DF, 70910-900 Year: 1962

Superblock 308 South / Marcelo Campello and Sérgio Rocha, gardens by Roberto Burle Marx

Location: South Wing SQS 308 - South Wing, Brasília - DF, 70390-100 Year: 1956

• Sebrae Headquarters / gruposp + Luciano Margotto

Location: Via L2 South, 2488-2548 - Brasília, Brasília - DF, Brazil Year: 2010

Nossa Senhora de Fátima Church / Oscar Niemeyer

Location: SHCS South 307/308 - South Wing, Brasília - DF, 70354-400 Year: 1958

Cine Brasília /  Oscar Niemeyer

Location: SHCS EQS 106/107 - Brasília, DF, 70345-400 Year: 1960

Brasília Palace Hotel /  Oscar Niemeyer

Location: SHTN Section 1 Lot 01 - Brasília, DF, 70800-200 Year: 1957

• Embassy of Italy / Pier Luigi Nervi

Location: SES - Quadra 807 - Lote 30, South Embassies Sector SES 807 - Asa Sul, Brasília - DF, 70420-900 Year: 1977

Sarah Kubitschek Hospital - Lago Norte / João Filgueiras Lima (Lelé)

Localização: S/N, SHIN EQL 11/13 - Lago Norte, Brasília - DF, 71535-005 Ano: 2003

To keep it simple, here is a list of the 16 places to visit in Brasília:

• Telecom Tower / Lúcio Costa
• Honestino Guimarães National Museum / Oscar Niemeyer
• Esplanada dos Ministérios (Monumental Axis) / Lúcio Costa (plan) and Oscar Niemeyer (buildings)
• Superblock 308 South / Marcelo Campello and Sérgio Rocha, gardens by Roberto Burle Marx
• Nossa Senhora de Fátima Church / Oscar Niemeye
• Cine Brasília / Oscar Niemeyer
• Brasília Palace Hotel / Oscar Niemeyer
• Sarah Kubitschek Hospital - Lago Norte / João Filgueiras Lima (Lelé)

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Brasília: The Architecture City

The bold and beautiful buildings of brasília, the mind behind the city, get to know oscar niemeyer and his legacy city, niemeyer in his natural habitat, oscar niemeyer, brazil’s great modern architect, had little time for the bauhaus. or did he, two artists meet, follow the story of this encounter of visions, space, and distance, a life in pictures, historical photos of the brazilian architect, original sketches by oscar niemeyer, croqui da biblioteca e do arquivo nacional, oscar niemeyer, proposal to access ramp to the national congress, furniture designed for the chamber of deputies, proposal for the chapel from the 10th floor of annex iv, study for the chamber of deputies, creation of a president’s drawing room, the interior design project for the noble hall, a live museum of modern architecture, brasília became a unesco world heritage site in 1987, the national library of brasília, projected by oscar niemeyer, the library was inaugurated in 2008, milton ramos, explore the architect's contributions to the city, under construction, the before and after of monuments coming to life, national congress, metropolitan cathedral, ministries esplanade, explore aerial views of the city, the landmarks, visit the numerous landmarks around brasília, the palace of the national congress, towards the interior of brazil, the chamber of deputies, a guided tour, a guided tour of the palace, palace of the national congress, architecture and fine arts, art in the chamber of deputies, architecture for the community, planaltina cultural complex, buildings for education, the university of brasília, inside niemeyer's constructions, get up close with niemeyer's monumental constructions, 308 south: the model block, learn about the block built as a reference for a new way of living in the city, the central bank building, explore the symbolism within the construction, the city of shapes, the city's structures have been compared to ufos and extraterrestrial landscapes, if walls could talk, learn some interesting facts about different sites in the city, take a deep dive, into one of the world's largest artificial lakes, the town square that saw it all, thousands of people visited the square to view the city from above, from market to public library, learn about the history of brasília's public library, occupation of popular territories, brasília was not built for everyone, but they made room for it, building knowledge, the university of brasília's campus of architectural wonders.

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Photo Essay: Oscar Niemeyer Modernist Architecture in Brasilia, Brazil

In 1956 the newly elected president of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitschek, spoke with the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer:  “I am going to build a new capital for this country and I want you to help me,” he said. With that, Oscar Niemeyer became the planner and chief architect of Brazil’s new capital. In April of 1960, Brasilia, the purpose-built modernist city in the middle of the highland savannah of Brazil, became the country’s capital. More than 25 of the monumental and government buildings in Brasilia were ultimately designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Brasilia became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 due to this modernist architecture and premeditated urban planning. Here’s our grand tour of Oscar Niemeyer modernist architecture in Brasilia, primarily along the city’s Monumenal Axis.

The Modernist Architecture of Oscar Niemeyer in Brasilia, Brazil

The National Congres in Brasilia, Brazil, designed by Oscar Niemeyer.

The National Congress (Supremo Tribunal Federal) of Brazil, pictured above, is home to the national legislature and is the centerpiece of Brasilia’s “Monumental Axis” which is the grand avenue that the city of Brasilia was built around. This avenue is where most of the government buildings and monuments (including all but the last two buildings mentioned in this post) were built.

The view of the Monumental Axis avenue in Brasilia, Brazil from the TV Tower.

In the middle of the Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental), pictured above, stands the TV Tower (Torre de TV). From its observation deck you get a great overview of the Monumental Axis and Brasilia’s modernist design.

Brazil’s Planalto Palace, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is the Presidential Palace in Brasilia.

The Planalto Palace (Palácio do Planalto) is the official office of the President. It stands on Three Powers Plaza (Praça dos Três Poderes) because the plaza represents the meeting of the three governmental branches of powers: the executive branch represented by the Planalto Palace, the legislative branch represented by the National Congress, and the judiciary branch represented by the Supreme Federal Court.

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, in Brasilia.

The Supreme Federal Court ( Supremo Tribunal Federal) is the highest court in Brazil.

Outside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, in Brasilia, Brazil.

The Cathedral of Brasilia , more formally known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida (Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida) is one of Brasilia’s signature buildings and an iconic Niemeyer design both inside (pictured below) and outside (pictured above).

Inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, in Brasilia, Brazil.

The Tancredo Neves Pantheon of the Fatherland and Freedom was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and built to honor national heroes.

Tancredo Neves Pantheon of the Fatherland and Freedom (Panteão da Pátria e da Liberdade Tancredo Neves) also sits on the Three Powers Plaza. Following the 1984 death of Tancredo Neves, the first civilian President elected to office after twenty years of military rule in Brazil, the Tancredo Neves Pantheon of the Fatherland and Freedom was built to honor national heroes.

The Palace of the Arches, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, with the National Congress towers in the background.

The Ministry of External relations is based out of the Itamaraty Palace (Palácio Itamaraty). The building is also known as the Palace of the Arches and is seen above with the National Congress towers in the background.

The Palace of Justice, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, in Brasilia, Brazil.

The Palace of Justice ( Palácio da Justiça ) is home to the Ministry of Justice.

The National Museum of the Republic, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, in Brasilia, Brazil.

Part of the Cultural Complex of the Republic. along with the National Library, the  National Museum of the Republic (Museu Nacional Honestino Guimarães), pictured above, hosts temporary art exhibits.

The JK Memorial, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, memorializes President Juscelino Kubitschek in Brasilia, Brazil.

Niemeyer’s  JK Memorial , pictured above, is a museum and memorial dedicated to Juscelino Kubitschek who was President of Brazil between 1956 and 1961. Kubitscheck is viewed as the father of modern Brazil and he was responsible for the creation of Brasilia.

The Brasilia Palace Hotel, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, was the first hotel in Brasilia, Brazil.

The Brasilia Palace Hotel , pictured above, was one of the first buildings to be built in Brasilia. It was nearly destroyed by fire in 1978 and was abandoned for nearly a decade after that before Niemeyer was brought in to oversee a gorgeous restoration of his original design.

The Palace of the Dawn, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is the official residence of the President of Brazil.

The Palace of Dawn (Palácio da Alvorada), pictured above, is the official residence of the President of Brazil. Though recent reports in Brazilian newspapers say the current president no longer lives there because of ghosts in the building.

Below is a little dash-cam time-lapse video shot while driving around the Monumental Axis in Brasilia.

Here’s more about travel in Brazil

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Looking at these buildings feel like looking at the future. Hope our future is going to be like this and not dark as it’s shown in the movies.

Love this post! Awesome pictures and video in your post. I like it.

Beautiful palce and you captured stunning photos of that beautiful palce.

I’ve always been fascinated by the concept/history of Brasilia. These pictures have really made me want to visit.

Thanking you for your lovely article. It is my first visit to your blog. Beautiful images.

Just a small issue with location. Brasília is not located in the jungle. It’s in incredibly dry savannah, more African velt than rainforest.

Scott, you are absolutely correct and we’ve corrected the post accordingly. Thanks for your note.

Superb Blog Thanks For Sharing Such an Amazing Post

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Architecture trip to South Africa

Milan & salone del mobile 2024.

Brazilian architecture: Brasilia, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

This trip is designed for architects, students of architecture or anyone who wants to discover the brazilian architecture. The trip is organized around 3 major Brazilian cities, Brasilia, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro , where you can appreciate the diversity of brazilian architecture. From the arid capital, Brasilia , a city planned from scratch to São Paulo , one of the most important megalopolis of the contemporary world, passing through the exuberance of the nature of Rio de Janeiro , we intend to build a broad vision of Brazil, contemplating architectural, anthropological, historical, artistic and natural aspects.

– Preparation of itinerary and tours guided by an architect throughout the trip. – Private bus for entire trip. – Lodging in 4* hotel in double room. – Breakfast. – Transport to/from airports. – Organized entrance tickets. – Basic travel insurance.

MAIN INTERIOR VISITS

• – Glass House (Lina Bo Bardi) – MASP of (Lina Bo Bardi) – Memorial of Latin America (Niemeyer) – Copam Building (Niemeyer) – FAU-USP – MAC Niteroi (Niemeyer)

SUGGESTED ITINERARY, 9 DAYS THROUGH THE BRAZILIAN ARCHITECTURE

DAY 1 – BRASILIA

DAY 2 – BRASILIA – SÃO PAULO

DAY 3 – SÃO PAULO

DAY 4 – SÃO PAULO

DAY 5 – SÃO PAULO

DAY 6 – SÃO PAULO – RIO DE JANEIRO

DAY 7 – RIO DE JANEIRO

DAY 8 – RIO DE JANEIRO

Day 9 – rio de janeiro, day 10 – rio de janeiro, day 11 – rio de janeiro.

DAY 1 – BRASILIA (Flight)​

Arrival in Brasilia. Transfer to the accommodation. Check-in and meeting of participants. In the afternoon tour through the Monumental Axis. Visit to the communication tower, Pilot Plan (Lúcio Costa), cathedral, Itamaraty Palace and Palacio do Planalto , all of Oscar Niemeyer. Night in Brasilia.

  DAY 2 – BRASILIA – SÃO PAULO

Breakfast. In the morning: Tour Wings and Superquadras . Las Asas and Superquadras are part of the Pilot Plan, project of the architect and urbanist Lúcio Costa , for the construction of Brasilia. Each Superquadra is composed of ten or eleven “blocks”, buildings of six floors elevated on piles leaving free the ground floor. Check out accommodation. Transfer to the airport. Arrival in São Paulo. Transfer to accommodation and check-in. Night in São Paulo.

  DAY 3 – SÃO PAULO ​

Breakfast and meeting of participants. Tour around Av. Paulista and surroundings, considered the new center of the city. We will see the MASP Building by Lina Bo Bardi, Fiesp by Paulo Mendes da Rocha. We will know the landscape of Burle Marx in a visit to Trianon Park . Visit to the center of São Paulo: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) , São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral, Altino Arantes Building (Banespao or Banespa Tower), Martinelli Building, Patriarca Square, Municipal Theater, Praça das Artes, Galeria do Rock . We will also visit the first modernist house in the country – Casa Modernista da Rua Santa Cruz – completed in 1928 by Gregori Warchavchik.

Night in São Paulo.

DAY 4 – SÃO PAULO ​

Breakfast. Tour around the city center of different points of interest such as the Municipal Market, the Pinacoteca del Estado and Estación de la Luz. We will visit the Copan Building by Oscar Niemeyer, Edifício Itália and the Tomie Ohtake Institute . Vila Madalena.

DAY 5 – SÃO PAULO ​

Breakfast. In the morning: Tour “ Masters of the Architecture of São Paulo “: SESC Pompeia (Lina Bo Bardi), Latin American Memorial (Oscar Niemeyer), Glass House (Lina Bo Bardi), Hotel Unique (Ruy Ohtake). According to the day of the week, visit the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of São Paulo – FAU-USP (Vilanova Artigas)

Ibirapuera Park : Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo (MAM) and Afro-Brazilian Museum, OCA (Pavilhão Lucas Nogueira Garcez) and Biennial Pavilion.

DAY 6 – SÃO PAULO – RIO DE JANEIRO ​

Breakfast. Check-out and transfer to Rio de Janeiro. Check-in at the accommodation and meeting of participants. In the afternoon: Urban architecture tour – panoramic tour to understand the urban environment, the neighborhoods and the natural and geographical aspects that limit and impose the landscape of the city. Ipanema and Leblon.

Night in Rio de Janeiro.

​ DAY 7 – RIO DE JANEIRO ​

Breakfast. Contemporary and modern architecture: City of Arts (Christian de Portzamparc), Casa das Canoas by Oscar Niemeyer, São Conrado beach,  Moreira Salles Institute  and Lage Park .

Breakfast. Brazilian modern architecture . Transfer to Niterói. In Niterói : Niemeyer Way. Museum of Contemporary Art of Niterói – MAC (Oscar Niemeyer). Transfer back to Rio de Janeiro . Residential Complex Mendes de Moraes (Pedregulho) of Affonso Reidy. Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro – MAM (Affonso Reidy).

Breakfast. Tour through the city center . Avenida Presidente Vargas, Candelaria, Metropolitan Cathedral and Sambódromo. Edifício Gustavo Capanema (also known as Ministry of Education and Culture-MEC) joint design of a team of architects, among them Lucio Costa, Oscar Niemeyer and Affonso Reidy. Cinelândia, Municipal Theater, Library and City Hall.

We will know the surroundings of Porto Maravilha and its urban project, the renewed Praça Mauá and the Boulevard Olímpico as well as the most contemporary works of the city: Museum of Tomorrow (Santiago Calatrava), Art Museum of Rio – MAR .

Return of the participants to their places of origin.

End of the trip.

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Architectural trip to Oslo, Norway

Venice & biennale arte 2024, a journey through moroccan architecture, casablanca & rabat.

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Architecture of Brasilia: the Coolest Buildings and Neighborhoods

If you are into architecture , you’ve probably dreamed of going to Brasília . But even if you are not, everybody knows Brazil ’s modern capital is a sight to behold. The city was and is still ahead of its time. We’ve been to Brasília several times and love it. Thus, we know its best buildings and neighborhoods.

Brasilia’s daring architecture has been called ultramodern, innovative, creative, and avant-garde. Actually, you can call the city all of that today, 60 years after its creation. Besides, the city has more than just jaw-dropping buildings. It’s got beautiful parks, lakes, a relaxed vibe, and charming people. We must mention that Brasilia is safe and enjoys splendid weather all year round.

Brasília – History and Concept

To fully grasp Brasilia’s importance, we have to look back at its short history. The city was designed and built to attract people to the center of the country. In 1956, the government called for a competition to establish a new capital. Lucio Costa won with his design along two main axes. Locals call it the dove.

The north-south axis follows a wide highway. This brings traffic into the heart of the city. The area is mostly residential. Apartment buildings occupy big superblocks, one after the other. The political center is along the east-west axis. Locals call it the Monumental Axis. The Three Powers Plaza is in the center of this axis. Here we find the Supreme Court, Congress, and Presidential office.

What is Brasília Like

Most of the city’s landmarks line the Monumental Axis. That is, from the Plaza to the north-south axis. The Axis is a wide boulevard with a big green area in the center, occasionally used for events. The north-south axis is an elevated motorway with two parallel avenues. Unfortunately, it is not pedestrian-friendly.

There are no public spaces around these intersections. In fact, the area looks like a giant motorway junction with an unappealing bus terminal. Other important sights can be found along the east-west axis. The rest are further out east, near Lake Paranoá.

Brasilia’s Worst

Brasilia’s main problem is its lack of attention to pedestrians and bikers . Avenues cut pedestrian paths everywhere, traffic lights give preference to vehicles, and bike lanes are nowhere to be seen. Therefore, locals have nowhere to go! People mostly meet in the small areas around governmental buildings, shopping centers, and a block dedicated to culture.

We are convinced that the above is intentional. The city is all about showcasing bureaucracy and power. It almost seems like Brazilian leaders didn’t want people to socialize out in the open. The city’s main park, Parque da Cidade , looks pretty modest when compared to the glamorous public buildings.

Brasilia’s Best

On the bright side, most public buildings are exceptionally creative. Each is an attraction in itself. Besides, it seems Brasília is one of the country’s safest cities . Trees line residential areas, the buildings are in good shape, and apparently, there aren’t big social differences. That is, in the city proper. The outskirts of Brasilia are quite different.

We love the birds from different species that live on the east-west axis. These beautiful creatures give life and joy to the city. Another curiosity is the nightlife around gas stations. You can have a drink, socialize, and eat something in these nondescript places. Since nights are pleasant in the city, people hang out here till pretty late.

Architecture of Brasília – The Coolest Neighborhoods

Three powers plaza.

In 1958, one of the greatest architects of all time designed Praça dos Três Poderes . We are talking about the one and only Oscar Niemeyer . Four buildings and green areas surround the big rectangular square. The three branches of power are here. Look out for the premises of the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary powers.

The Presidential Office in the north of the square is called Palácio do Planalto. The Supreme Federal Court is in the south. Both are long monumental buildings with elegant columns. The National Congress has a particular vertical shape. You will recognize it from the two parallel towers connected by a horizontal ground floor.

The building in front of the Congress is the Tancredo Neves Pantheon of the Fatherland and Freedom. Notice how its dynamic shape breaks the monotony of the   orthogonal composition. The Brazilian flag in the adjacent park is the largest in the world. Renowned artist Bruno Giorgi designed the sculpture in the middle of the plaza. Made in bronze, the Two Warriors pay homage to the workers that built the city.

Palácio do Planalto – Presidential Office

The Palácio do Planalto is one of Brasilia’s oldest and most recognizable buildings. Opened in 1960, it is the symbol of the new capital. Its elegant white pillars are iconic. According to Oscar Niemeyer, these are light as feathers landing on the ground. Notice the giant ramp that leads directly into the main hall. It lends a futuristic look to the building.

Supreme Federal Court

The Supreme Federal Court is opposite the Planalto Palace .  Niemayer once again reproduced his stunning pillars. To achieve such a masterpiece, he worked with one of the country’s top structural engineers, Joaquim Cardozo. The building hangs slightly above the ground. Thus, it looks light, and it seems to float.

National Congress

The Brazilian National Congress is different from the other buildings on the plaza. Two towers rise in the middle of the green area. A bridge connects the towers. Behind them, we find a long horizontal building. Notice the two round structures on top of this building. One looks like a plate, the other like a dome.

Ministries Esplanade

President Kubitschek wanted to build the superfluous first, to leave the skeleton of the city ready. He completed Costa’s master plan in 3 years. Thus, the city was inaugurated on April 21, 1960. The Esplanade is part of the Monumental Axis. The massive 10 miles (16 km) long road begins at the National Congress building.

As you will notice, the Congress building is not linked to the Three Power Plaza. Therefore, people can’t walk from one building to the other. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are next to Congress. Following these grand buildings, we find 17 box-like structures on both sides of the Esplanade.  

Niemayer designed these buildings 3 years after the esplanade was completed.   The Esplanade ends before the huge avenue that crosses the green area. The Cathedral of Brasília stands in the south. As beautiful as the area is, the message is clear. The state is powerful and big, and a simple pedestrian citizen will have to work to negotiate it.

Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice is also by Oscar Niemeyer and Joaquim Cardozo. It’s a horizontal building with pillars along its façades. The concrete façade with the pointed arches between the pillars make the building look gothic. Several fountains protruding from the façade make it look like an abstract painting. A geometric lake surrounds the building.

Palácio Itamaraty – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The same architect and engineer team designed the Palácio Itamaraty across the Ministry of Justice. However, this time the shape is much simpler. The arches are round, and all the pillars and openings are identical. Again there is a geometric lake around the building with plants. The largest column-free hall in Latin America is here.

Cathedral of Brasília

The Cathedral of Brasília is the seat of the Archdiocese of Brasília and the city’s main church. Niemeyer and Cardozo designed a hyperboloid structure with 16 concrete columns. A circular pool surrounds the building. Visitors have to go under the pool to enter the church. There are impressive sculptures both in and out of the cathedral.

Republic’s Cultural Complex

Niemayer designed the two buildings that make up the Cultural Complex of the Republic . However, they were completed in 2006. The National Library is a simple rectangle with a rather monotonous façade. With an area of 150,000 sq ft (14,000 sq m) and a collection of over half a million items, it is the biggest in Brazil.

The National Museum’s shape is futuristic yet simple. A lake surrounds the building. It looks beautiful at night when the water reflects the dome. The interior of the museum with its tall ceilings and fabulous lamps is equally grand. The white color of both buildings contrasts with the square’s concrete floor, occasionally interrupted by round pools.

The National Theater is on the other side of the Monumental Axis, across the Complex. Its bold architectural design attracts the attention of every passerby.

National Library of Brasília

Though the National Library of Brasília was part of the original design of the capital, it took years to be finished. The long white building differs from the rest of Niemeyer’s works as it looks heavy. There are only semicircular openings on the lower part of the main volume, while the upper part looks like a giant screen.

Museu Nacional da República

The National Museum looks like a spaceship that has just landed on the Cultural square. Its simple shape consists of a large dome and a ramp that goes around it. Its construction started in 1999 but took seven full years to complete. With an area of 156,000 sq ft (14,500 m2), it is one of the biggest in South America. There are two auditoriums and a lab.

National Theater Cláudio Santoro

The National Theater Cláudio Santoro sits on the crossroads of the axes, away from the other two cultural institutions. Though Niemeyer designed it, the building looks nothing like the rest of his masterpieces. This one resembles a pyramid with beautiful reliefs. It pays homage to pre-colonial architecture. There are three auditoriums inside with 60, 407, and 1407 seats.

Buriti Square

Praça do Buriti is 3.1 miles (5 km) from the Ministries Esplanade. Though connected by the Monumental Axis, it’s isolated from the rest of the areas. Large governmental buildings surround the concrete square and a park.

The Palácio do Buriti, the seat of the government of the Federal District is north of the square. The Federal District Tribunal and the Regional Tribunal are south of the square. Hidden beneath beautiful trees, we find the Memorial of Indigenous Peoples.

Further east is the Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial. The president of Brazil that founded Brasília deserved a statue and a museum. What we like about this area are the trees! Unlike the rest of the ministerial zone, lovely trees provide much-needed shade.

Palácio do Buriti – Federal District’s Government

The Palácio do Buriti is the seat of the executive power of the Government of the Federal District. Nauro Jorge Esteves designed this monumental building in 1960. He was Niemeyer’s right hand. The main building is long and low. It’s similar to the governmental buildings by the Three Powers Plaza. Most offices are in the tower behind.

Memorial of Indigenous Peoples

The Memorial of Indigenous Peoples is easily recognizable by the black and white paintings on the facade. It’s a round building with a round garden in the middle. The building resembles a typical house of the Yanomami tribe in the Brazilian Amazon . Oscar Niemeyer designed the building; thus, the access ramp. Darcy and Bertha Ribeiro donated the impressive collection inside the memorial.

Memorial JK

The JK Memorial is a museum, mausoleum, and cultural center built in honor of the 21 st president of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitchek de Oliveira. What we like about this building is how it blends with the environment. Therefore, all you can see from afar is the iconic statue of the former president. Brazilian artist Honório Peçanha designed the 15 feet (4.5 m) tall sculpture.

Eastern Cape

Brasilia’s fancy neighborhood on its easternmost point is home to the city’s most elegant building. The Palácio da Alvorada is the home of the Brazilian president. We are talking about a typical Niemeyer building with white arched pillars. Unfortunately, we could only see it from the gate. However, its main façade is gorgeous.

Few hotels in the world represent the early modern movement in such a spectacular way as the Brasília Palace Hotel. This is the very first building built in Brasília. There is a sharp contrast between the simple lines of the exterior and the rich textures, materials, and colors of the interior. A splendid garden with a tall gorgeous tree surrounds the hotel.

The Brasilia’s Art Museum is a couple of feet away. The incredible museum fell into oblivion and had to close in 2007. It finally reopened its doors in 2021 to universal acclaim. If you think the building looks gorgeous, wait till you see the collection inside.

Palácio da Alvorada – President’s Palace

The Palácio da Alvorada is the official residence of the President of Brazil. Again, typical Niemeyer’s white arched pillars surround the horizontal building but in a more refined way. The asymmetrical appearance of the main façade is enhanced with palm trees right in front of it. Apart from the president’s house, the complex also includes a heliport and a chapel.

Brasília Palace Hotel

If you are into architecture, you have to stay in the city’s most iconic hotel, the Brasília Palace . We always stay in this masterpiece designed by Niemeyer when we visit. The building was completed in 1958 but burned down later. Fortunately, it reopened in 2006. While the rooms are modern, the common areas maintain the original decor.

Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB)

Built between 1960 and 1961, the building changed owners several times. First, it was a restaurant, then a bar and a nightclub. It also hosted an armed forces club and a samba association. The Museu de Arte de Brasília opened its doors in 1985. Today it has a collection of 1400 works from Brazilian and foreign artists.

Residential Areas

To fully understand Brasília, you have to know its residential sectors . These are the neighborhoods on both sides of the north-south axis. A wide motorway runs parallel to several avenues. Several minor streets drive traffic into the sector’s interiors.

All the motorways convey into perpendicular streets. Shops and services line these streets. The rest of the so-called sectors are exclusively dedicated to housing. As you can imagine, civil servants live here. There are also a couple of churches and other public buildings.

Two of Brasilia’s prettiest churches are in the residential area south of the Monumental Axis. Dom Bosco Sanctuary is close to the center, while Igrejinha stands in the middle of a residential block.

Dom Bosco Sanctuary

The Dom Bosco Sanctuary is a catholic church dedicated to the second patron of the city São João Bosco, also known as Dom Bosco. Carlos Alberto Naves designed the building in 1963, but it took seven years to complete. The exterior is somehow Gothic and a bit serious. The interior is something else. Playful stained glass windows in 12 shades of blue cover the church’s walls.

Igrejinha – Our Lady of Fatima Church

The Igrejinha Church was the first church in Brasília made of solid materials. It’s another joint work of Niemeyer and Cardozo. Its simple shape is full of symbols. Three elegant pillars support a sloping triangular slab. It resembles a nun’s hat. The most recognizable elements of the church are the iconic blue tiles works of Athos Bulcão.

Catedral Militar Rainha da Paz

The Military Cathedral of the Queen of Peace is on the western end of the Monumental Axis. Oscar Niemeyer designed the church on the same spot where Joan Paul II held a mass in 1991. The church’s triangular shape is a reminiscence of a military barrack. There is a small chapel under the church.

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Brasilia: 2 Day Itinerary

Brasilia, Brazil's capital, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa. Its layout resembles an airplane, symbolizing progress. The city is renowned for its futuristic buildings, including the Cathedral of Brasília and the National Congress, showcasing innovative design and urban planning. Our two day luxury itinerary covers the best way to take in all of the amazing structures - by cycling!

Luxe Brasilia Absolute Musts

Concha Acústica do Exército - Outdoor venue in Brasília for concerts, iconic shell-shaped structure.

Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek - Vast urban park in Brasília, offers leisure, sports, cultural activities.

Praça dos Três Poderes - vaIconic plaza symbolizing Brazil's governmental branches unity; architectural masterpiece.

Luxe Brasilia Itinerary Map 

Utilize our personalized map to explore the city. Each day is assigned a specific color and numbered to align with your Luxe itinerary. Follow the Google Maps link above if you'd like a fully interactive view.

Tip : Click on the navigation arrow in the upper left corner to access a detailed list of locations, and then select the days you wish to view on the map.

Brasilia: Architectural Highlights Cycling Tour

Cycling in Brasília offers a distinct, immersive way to discover its iconic architecture, blending flexibility, health perks, and eco-friendliness with a deep, personal connection to the city's heritage. Unlike bus tours, which cover more ground and offer guided insights but lack intimacy, biking allows for a customizable, up-close exploration of architectural wonders, fostering a more active and engaging experience. This approach appeals to those eager for an intimate, self-paced journey through Brasília's remarkable urban landscape. Our Luxe Brasilia cycling tour is in three parts that take between 3 - 4 hours each, allowing ample time for site visits and photography. Our recommended dining options for lunch and dinner are at the end of the itinerary. 

Tembici Street Bikes

Tembici operates a user-friendly street bike rental system in Brasília, offering convenient access through a mobile app or physical stations across the city. Users can easily register, locate a nearby bike, unlock it via the app or membership card, and enjoy their ride. The city seemed very safe, but as in any big city, be cautious and you'll be fine. 

Brasilia: Where to base yourself

Lobby, Meliá Brasil 21

Melia Brasil 21 is one of the nicer hotels in Brasília, boasting an excellent central location that puts you at the heart of the city's architectural landmarks. The rooms are dated, but comfortable and cozy. Exceptional staff assistance greatly enhanced our experience. But ultimately, the proximity to the iconic structures is what makes this our choice of hotel.

Brasilia Cycle Tour: Part 1

When staying at Meliá Brasil 21, access the nearby bicycle dock at Setor Hoteleiro Sul. Open the Tembici app, purchase a plan, and generate your access code. Then, collect your bicycle and venture into the central Monumental Axis pedestrian area, equipped with dedicated bicycle paths. Enjoy stops at various captivating installations and architecturally stunning smaller buildings along your journey.

Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha

Kicking off your cycling tour is Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, offering an unparalleled start of the day. This stadium, a testament to Brazil's passion for football, showcases striking modern architecture. It serves as a perfect first stop, inviting you to marvel at its design while soaking in the vibrancy of Brazil's sports culture.

Ginásio Nilson Nelson

Following the Estádio Nacional, the cycling tour's second stop at Ginásio Nilson Nelson introduces a vital piece of Brasília's sports and cultural scene. This iconic arena, celebrated for its distinctive architecture and versatile venue hosting concerts to sports events, highlights the city's rich recreational life and architectural diversity.

Memorial JK

The next destination, Memorial JK, stands as a poignant tribute to Juscelino Kubitschek, the visionary founder of Brasília. This memorial encapsulates his legacy and the city's genesis through exhibits and personal artifacts. Its unique architecture and serene setting offer cyclists a reflective pause on Brasília's transformative history.

Catedral Militar Rainha da Paz

Continuing the journey, the Catedral Militar Rainha da Paz presents a serene stop, nestled on Brasília's monumental axis. This open-air cathedral, dedicated to peace, captivates with its minimalist design and tranquil ambiance. It offers cyclists a moment of contemplation amidst the bustling city, reflecting Brasília's architectural diversity and spiritual depth.

Concha Acústica do Exército

The Concha Acústica do Exército, your next destination, is an iconic outdoor venue known for its distinctive shell-shaped design, enhancing acoustics for live performances. Situated in a picturesque setting, it invites visitors to experience the cultural vibrancy of Brasília, hosting a variety of musical and artistic events in a unique architectural backdrop.

Praça dos Cristais

Concluding this tour at Praça dos Cristais offers a mesmerizing finale. This striking square, inspired by crystal formations, showcases geometric gardens and reflective water features amidst rugged landscapes. Designed by Burle Marx, it's a testament to Brasília's integration of art, nature, and architecture, providing a tranquil retreat and a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

Brasilia Cycle Tour: Part 2

Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek

Starting another cycling tour through Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek introduces riders to Brasília's largest green space, offering a refreshing escape into nature. This expansive park features well-maintained paths ideal for cycling, alongside picturesque lakes, playgrounds, and sports facilities. It's a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors alike engage in outdoor activities, making it a perfect kickoff point to explore the city's natural beauty and recreational lifestyle. NB: cycle inside the park until you get to Asa Sul, then follow the street signs within the Luxe Brasilia Google Map .

Templo da Boa Vontade

The next stop, Templo da Boa Vontade, stands out as a beacon of spirituality and inclusivity in Brasília. Renowned for its striking pyramid shape, this temple is a unique interfaith space promoting peace and unity. Visitors are drawn to its serene ambiance, eclectic art, and the energizing spiral walkway, offering a profound experience of tranquility and reflection amidst the city's dynamic rhythm.

Igrejinha Nossa Senhora de Fátima

Continuing the tour, the Igrejinha Nossa Senhora de Fátima enchants with its charming history and distinctive azulejo tiles by Athos Bulcão. This small church, a symbol of faith and architecture harmony, was Brasília's first religious edifice, commissioned by Juscelino Kubitschek. Its intimate setting and vibrant facades offer a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the city's cultural fabric.

Santuário São João Bosco

Concluding the cycling tour at Santuário São João Bosco, visitors are greeted by its awe-inspiring architecture, featuring stunning stained glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of light. Dedicated to the patron saint of Brasília, this sanctuary combines spiritual significance with architectural beauty, offering a tranquil space for reflection and admiration, and marking a fitting end to the journey through the city's diverse spiritual landscape.

Brasilia Cycle Tour: Part 3

Praça dos Três Poderes

Beginning the tour at Praça dos Três Poderes offers a dive into the heart of Brazil's political and architectural essence. This plaza, where the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches converge, is surrounded by iconic buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It's a symbolic space that reflects the ideals of democracy and modernist design, providing a compelling start to any exploration of Brasília's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Congresso Nacional

The next stop, Congresso Nacional, is an architectural marvel and the centerpiece of Brasília's political landscape. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it features two distinctive towers, a domed senate, and a bowl-shaped chamber of deputies, symbolizing the balance of Brazil's legislative powers. This iconic structure offers a deep dive into the country's political architecture and democratic values, making it a must-see on any tour of the capital.

Catedral de Brasília

Continuing to the Catedral de Brasília, visitors encounter Oscar Niemeyer's masterpiece of religious architecture. This striking cathedral, with its 16 concrete columns forming a crown-like structure and a glass roof, creates a breathtaking play of light inside. It stands as a symbol of spiritual harmony and architectural innovation, offering a serene and awe-inspiring space for reflection and worship in the heart of the capital.

Museu Nacional

The next destination, Museu Nacional, emerges as a sphere of cultural and architectural significance. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, its dome-shaped structure invites exploration of Brazil's artistic expressions and historical artifacts. This landmark is not just a museum but an icon of modernist design, fostering a space for education, reflection, and appreciation of the arts within Brasília's vibrant cultural scene.

Biblioteca Nacional de Brasilia

Advancing to the Biblioteca Nacional de Brasília, this stop marries architectural elegance with intellectual richness. Another of Niemeyer's creations, the library stands as a beacon of knowledge, housing a vast collection of Brazilian literature and works. Its sleek, modern design invites visitors to delve into the depths of Brazil's literary heritage, making it an essential visit for enthusiasts of culture and architecture alike.

Teatro Nacional

The final stop, Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro, is a testament to Brasília's rich cultural tapestry. This architectural masterpiece, with its unique pyramidal structures and intricate facade, serves as a hub for the performing arts. Inside, visitors find a world of creativity and expression, showcasing the best of Brazilian and international theater, dance, and music, and marking a fitting culmination to a journey through the city's artistic and architectural landmarks.

Brasilia Restaurants

Nau Frutos do Mar

Nau Frutos do Mar is a culinary haven for seafood lovers, offering a rich selection of fresh, high-quality seafood dishes inspired by Brazilian coastal cuisine. With an elegant ambiance and a commitment to exceptional service, this restaurant provides a delightful dining experience, inviting guests to savor the flavors of the ocean amidst sophisticated decor and a welcoming atmosphere. If seated oustide, you'll see the Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek connecting the two sides of the lake.

Taypa offers an authentic Peruvian culinary adventure, standing out as a trailblazer in Brasília. Its minimalist decor, featuring subdued lighting, Peruvian decorations, and rustic wooden accents, sets the perfect backdrop for the vibrant and creative dishes to take center stage. The signature ceviche, enhanced with oyster sauce and coconut-infused leche de tigre, alongside other Peruvian staples like tiradito and lomo saltado, promises a flavorful journey. Don't miss the comprehensive pisco cocktail menu, where the bartenders' favorite tasting trio comes highly recommended.

Vasto 108 offers a culinary experience that blends contemporary and traditional Italian cuisine. Renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and meticulous attention to detail, the restaurant prides itself on serving exquisite dishes crafted from premium ingredients. With a focus on innovation while respecting classic flavors, Vasto 108 provides a memorable dining journey, making it a standout in Brasília's vibrant gastronomic scene.

Mané Mercado, located near the stadium, is a vibrant marketplace that celebrates the rich culinary and cultural diversity of Brazil. It serves as a hub for local artisans, farmers, and chefs, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, gourmet foods, and traditional Brazilian dishes. The market is known for its lively atmosphere, where visitors can explore a multitude of stalls, enjoy live music, and participate in culinary workshops. It's a place where community and culture come together, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors and crafts of Brazil.

Luxe Brasilia  Extensions

Rio de Janeiro boasts an array of museums like the Museum of Tomorrow, impressive colonial and modernist architecture, upscale shopping in Ipanema, and breathtaking natural wonders within Tijuca National Park. This city melds cultural heritage with natural beauty, offering a unique urban and ecological experience.

Comments on this Brasilia Itinerary?

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Free Walking Tour Brasilia

Free walking tour Brasilia is the best way to explore the capital of Brazil, located in the Federal District in the country’s central region. Known for its unique and modern architecture, Brasília was built in the late 1950s to serve as the new capital of Brazil. Visitors can explore the city’s many government buildings, including the National Congress and the Presidential Palace, as well as the many museums and cultural centers. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Brasília also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including parks, gardens, and sports facilities. The city is also known for its modern architecture and urban planning, which is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

General information

Meet your guide at Esplanada dos Ministerios

11:00 hrs / 18:00 hrs

Tip only basis

Please remember to check your ticket after booking to ensure you don’t miss any updates from your guide.

Free Walking Tour Brasilia – Itinerary

Free walking tour Brasilia will take you through some of the most iconic sites of the city, where you’ll get a glimpse of the local culture, history and architecture.  

The tour starts at the Esplanada dos Ministerios, where you’ll be able to see the different government buildings and learn about the history of the city and its importance as the capital of Brazil. From here, you’ll be able to appreciate the different architectural styles and the use of space in the city.

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Next, we’ll make our way to the Catedral Metropolitana, a modernist cathedral that is known for its unique design and for its use of light and space. Here, you’ll be able to see the different architectural details and learn about the history of the cathedral and its importance for the city.  

Afterwards, we’ll head to the Parque da Cidade, where you’ll be able to take a walk and enjoy the different gardens, lakes and sculptures. Here, you’ll be able to relax and appreciate the different colors of the park, depending on the time of the day.  

Finally, we’ll end our tour at the Praça dos Três Poderes, a square where you’ll be able to see the different government buildings and learn about the history and importance of the square.

Project Description

Brazilian architecture, tours through the brazilian architecture, the giant of latin america.

Brazil covers almost half of the South American continent, being thus one of the most extensive countries in the world. Due to the immigration of Europeans and Africans and the colonization of the Portuguese, the Brazilian culture mixes the traditions and customs of native Amerindians with the external culture received. In the Brazilian architecture we find a great variety of styles, since like its culture, the architecture of the country was influenced by external currents.

As for contemporary and modern architecture, Brazil is known to be home to the great international architect Oscar Niemeyer , one of the greatest world architects of the twentieth and early twenty-first century. We can contemplate its innovative constructions in big cities of the country like the capital Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Salvador, Recife  and São Paulo , but also around the world.

So you can enjoy all its shades, request an architectural tour of Salvador , Ouro Preto , Belo Horizonte , Brasilia , Curitiba , Porto Alegre , Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo with one of our profesional architect guides, who will prepare a customized itinerary. All our guides are professional architects, who will be happy to prepare your tailor made itinerary . From Artchitectours we can organize your private tour, ​​ study trip or incentive trip as well.

Tours in Salvador

Tours in Ouro Preto

Tours in Belo Horizonte

Tours in Brasília

Tours in Curitiba

Tours in Porto Alegre

Tours in Rio de Janeiro

Tours in São Paulo

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