The basic structure of Brasilia was completed in just four years, from 1956 to 1960, under the leadership of President Juscelino Kubitschek, with the slogan "fifty years of progress in five", and the city is in a sense a memorial to him. The cathedral has six columns representing two hands reaching up to almighty heaven.

The city is designed in the shape of a giant bird or airplane, with various separated zones assigned for specific functions such as housing, commerce, hospitals and banking. Running down the center of the "airplane's" fuselage is the thoroughfare called the Eixo Monumental ("Monumental Axis") and at one end lay the government buildings. The arched "wings" are residential zones, with several rows of medium-rise apartment blocks with small commercial districts. The intersection is the commercial and cultural hub, with stores, hotels, and the cathedral. A huge artificial lake serves the city as both a leisure area and to diminish the effects of low humidity in drier months (see Climate below).

Fifty-three years after its creation (1960), Brasilia is still developing a culture of its own. The city has often been criticized as a failed utopia where rationalized modernist planning has buried the human element. Yet Brazilians are quite proud of their capital, embodying a vision of a future when Brazil is no longer considered merely a "developing" country.

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is a city like no other. Designed from scratch in the late 1950s as a symbol of the country's vision for progress and modernity, it stands as a testament to architectural innovation and urban planning. To truly understand Brasília is to appreciate its unique history and design.

Oscar Niemeyer's Legacy: The city's distinctive architecture is synonymous with the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. His futuristic and curvilinear designs can be seen in iconic structures like the National Congress, the Cathedral of Brasília, and the Palácio da Alvorada.

Lucio Costa's Urban Plan: Brasília's city plan, known as the "Plano Piloto," was created by urban planner Lucio Costa. The layout resembles an airplane, with monumental government buildings at the city's core and residential, commercial, and recreational areas neatly organized into "superblocks."
UNESCO World Heritage: Brasília's modernist architecture and urban planning earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1987, recognizing its cultural and historical significance on a global scale.
The National Congress: Explore the iconic twin towers, which house the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. These impressive structures symbolize the country's democratic principles and political system.
The Cathedral of Brasília: Visit this stunning, hyperboloid structure made of 16 concrete columns, which create a unique spiritual space. The cathedral's simplicity and elegance stand in contrast to the city's bold architectural style.
Lúcio Costa Space for Art: Discover this gallery dedicated to the city's visionary urban planner, Lucio Costa. It showcases his work and vision for Brasília's development.
Presidential Palace: While you can't enter the official residence, the Palácio da Alvorada, its striking design and lakefront location are worth admiring from afar.
Eixo Monumental: This broad avenue cuts through the heart of the city, connecting many of Brasília's key landmarks and providing a sense of Brasília's grandeur.
Modernist Art: Embrace the city's artistic spirit by seeking out public art installations and sculptures, celebrating the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Lago Paranoá: Relax and unwind by the artificial lake, Lago Paranoá. Here, you'll find leisure activities, dining options, and a scenic escape from the urban landscape. To truly understand Brasília is to appreciate its unique combination of futuristic design and Brazil's political and cultural history. This modernist masterpiece continues to inspire visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into a city that stands as a symbol of progress and innovation in the heart of South America.