Brasília is the capital of Brazil, located in the central part of the country. It has a
population of about 2,455,903 as of the 2007 census estimate, and is the seat of the
federal government: the president the Brazilian supreme court, and the Brazilian
parliament. Brasília is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Building of the city began in 1956 with Lúcio Costa as the principal urban planner and
Oscar Niemeyer as the principal architect. In 1960, it formally became Brazil's capital.
When seen from above, the city's shape resembles an airplane or a butterfly. Brasília is
also known as the "Capital da Esperança", which translates to "The Capital of Hope". The
phrase was coined by French author André Malraux.
President Juscelino Kubitschek ordered the construction of Brasília, fulfilling an article of
the country's constitution stating that the capital should be moved from Rio de Janeiro to
a place close to the center of the country. Lúcio Costa won a contest and was the main
urban planner. Oscar Niemeyer, a close friend of Lúcio, was the chief architect of most
public buildings and Roberto Burle Marx was the landscape designer. Brasília was built
in 41 months, from 1956 to April 21, 1960 when it was officially inaugurated.
From 1763 to 1960, Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil. At this time, resources
tended to be centred in Brazil's southeast region near Rio de Janeiro. Brasília’s
geographical central location made for a more regionally neutral federal capital.
The idea of placing Brazil’s capital in the interior dates back to the first republican
constitution of 1891, which roughly defined where the federal district should be placed,
but the site itself was not defined until 1922. Brasília’s location, it was argued, would
promote the development of Brazil's central region and better integrate the entire territory
of Brazil.
Brasilia was built to be Brazil's new capital city. The idea was to transfer the federal
capital of Brazil from the coast to the midwestern interior of the country. Brazil had two
capital cities before that: Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia. By transferring the capital
city to the interior, the government intended to help populate that area of the country.
People from all over the country were hired to build the city, especially those from the
Northeast region of Brazil. Brasilia is known, internationally, for having applied the
principles established in the Athens Charter of 1933.
PLACE TO VISIT
The Square of the Three Powers 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.
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
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
Television Tower - is 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. As of December 2006,
however, the lift to the viewpoint is closed for maintenance (or due to the lack thereof),
although it is still possible to take an expensive guided helicopter flight from the vicinity.
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.
Cultural Complex of the Republic - Open next to the Cathedral on December
2006, this large space-age oval museum currently holds only temporary exhibitions. Next
to it, a huge library is also beginning to operate.
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.
Dom Bosco Church - 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.
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.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Due to long distances and falling prices in air travel, flying has become a
practical way of getting to Brasilia. The city is a national air travel hub, and there should be
plenty of flights. In fact you may find your plane touching down at Brasilia airport even if
you're not starting or ending anywhere near, such as Salvador to Belém.
By bus - Due to its central location, Brasilia is well served by a bus network that
connects it with the rest of Brazil. Travel times are about 15 hours to São Paulo, 18 hours
to Rio, 10 hours to Belo Horizonte and 3 hours to Goiania. Buses from other States arrive
at a dedicated bus station called rodoferroviaria (phone:(61) 3363-4045), that is located
at the west end of the axis and is connected to the city centre by bus (number 131,
frequency each 10-20 minutes, from 5 am to midnight) and taxis.
By car - Drivers coming from southern and Center-west states will arrive by the Saída
Sul entrance. From other states, you'll enter Brasilia by Saída Norte. After you're inside the
Federal District, keep following the Brasília signs and Zona Central if you're staying at the
hotel sector.
