Niemeyer modernist architecture
Brasília
Brasília · A modernist capital built from scratch
Carved out of the highlands in the 1950s and laid out like an airplane, Brazil’s capital is a living museum of modernist architecture by Oscar Niemeyer. Its sweeping white monuments and civic axis form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top sightsSights
Cathedral of Brasília
A crown of curving concrete ribs and stained glass.
National Congress
Niemeyer’s twin towers and domes of government.
Palacio da Alvorada
The elegant presidential residence.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge
A striking arched bridge over the lake.
Itamaraty Palace
A foreign-ministry palace with reflecting pools.
What to eatFood
Feijoada
The national bean-and-pork stew, big on Saturdays.
Pao de queijo
Cheese bread from neighboring Minas Gerais.
Pequi
A pungent cerrado fruit used in regional rice dishes.
Good to know
- You need a car or taxi — the city is built for driving.
- Buildings glow beautifully at sunset along the axis.
- Sunday is quiet; time monument visits for weekdays.
Getting there
Brasília Airport (BSB) is a major domestic hub, a short drive from the monumental axis.
Next city
Rio de Janeiro