Brasilia

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. The Brazilian flag in the square is the largest regularly hoisted flag in the world. 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 (http://www.mre.gov.br).

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 (http://www.catedral.org.br/)

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:

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.

museums, art galleries and theathers

Although lacking major museums, culture vultures may enjoy the city's contemporary arts scene, one of the country's most active. The so-called "Cultural centers" hold frequent exhibitions from national and international artists.

Brasilia National Museum

Monumental axis. Near the Brasilia Cathedral. Brasilia's newest museum was built to be the city's home for renowned national and international exhibitions. As of 2009, it's collections are temporary and is severely lacking both in size and importance. But give it a try, it's free.

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)

(http://www44.bb.com.br/ap...) - SCES, Trecho 02, lote 22. Tel +55 61 33107087. Holds all kinds of exhibitions and cultural events. Russian paintings, musical concerts, documentaries, plays, thematic movie festivals, photography, you name it. There is no permanent exhibition or attraction so you've to check the programme before going or just go there and enjoy what's available. The easier way to reach it is through its own free bus line that runs from the city center and back. Check the official bus schedule for an up-to-date information. Opens Thu-Sun from 9h until 21h. Entrance fees may vary greatly or even be free depending on what's going on. But one thing is certain: it's usually CHEAP!

CAIXA Cultural

(http://www.caixacultural....) - SBS, Quadra 4. Tel +55 61 32069450. Usually holds photography, musical concerts, movies and contemporary arts exhibitions. Entrance is free most of the time.

Espaço Cultural Renato Russo

SCRS 508. Tel +55 61 34431559. A government-maintaned building for cultural events. Commonly used for musical concerts and plays. No official schedule available.

Espaço Cultural Contemporâneo (ECCO)

(http://www.eccobrasilia.c...) - SCN quadra 3, Bloco C. Tel +55 61 33272027. A gallery that has many works of contemporary art. Mostly sculpture and paintings. Open Thu-Sun from 9h until 19h.

Monetary Museum

SBS Quadra 3 Bloco B. Tel +55 61 34142093. Maintained by the Central Bank of Brazil, it has everything related to money: rare coins, paper money from various countries, medals, gold bars, old machinery used to print and cut etc. It also keeps the biggest gold nugget ever found in Brazil, weighing 60.8kg. Thu-Fri 10h until 17h30. Sat 14h until 18h. Entrance is free.

National Theater Claudio Santoro

Brasilia's main theather features 3 main halls for plays and concerts, art galleries and temporary art exhibitions. Tickets: +55 61 3325-6239 / 3325-6256, from 12h until 20h.