Brasilia General Sights

General Sights

Nearly all of Brasilia's architectural sites are on the eastern part of the Monumental Axis. The Square of the Three Powers (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. Palace of Justice, and Itamaraty Palace which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stand out among the ministry buildings at Esplanada dos Ministérios. Brasilia Cathedral is midway along the axis. National Theater The Television Tower is the best place for a sweeping panorama of the city. 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 do Alvorada - 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), Ceschiatti and Bruno Giorgio (sculptures). 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 chapel provides gorgeous views of the city from across the Lake, an excellent place to watch Brasilia's famous sunsets. You can swin in the lake at an Ecological Park next to Ermida, but for some reason, it's not a popular amusement among brasilienses. 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. Chapada Imperial - trekking, rappelling and mountain biking through the cerrado and waterfalls.