Brasília

Brasília is unlike any other capital city on Earth. While most great cities grow slowly over hundreds of years, Brasília was boldly planned and built from nothing, becoming Brazil’s capital in 1960 after an extraordinary construction effort. Walking through it today, you can still feel that sense of ambition and possibility in the wide avenues and open skies.

The city is a living showcase of architecture that looks almost futuristic even now. The National Congress building pairs two dramatic domes that face opposite directions, while the Cathedral of Brasília rises like a crown of curved concrete reaching toward the heavens, flooding the interior with coloured light. Elegant government palaces with sweeping curved columns line the grand central avenue, and a spectacular modern bridge arcs across the shimmering Lake Paranoá in graceful curves.

Yet Brasília is not all steel and ceremony. Just beyond the city limits, a national park protects the wild cerrado savannah, where visitors swim in cool natural pools fed by clear streams — a perfect escape from the grandeur of Brazil’s remarkable capital.

Brasília Puzzle Set

City illustration + map puzzle, shipped to your door.

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Quick fact

Brasília is the capital of Brazil and was built from scratch in just 41 months, officially becoming the new capital on 21 April 1960.

Fun fact

When seen from the air, Brasília is designed in the shape of an aeroplane or a bird, with wings stretching out to the sides along a central fuselage avenue.

Landmarks

National Congress of Brazil

This striking building has two towers and two bowl-shaped domes side by side — one dome is a bowl facing up and one faces down — and it is where Brazil's laws are made.

Cathedral of Brasília

This incredible circular cathedral looks like a crown of hands reaching up to the sky, and when you walk inside, light pours in through gorgeous stained-glass panels.

Palácio do Planalto

This elegant white palace is where the President of Brazil goes to work every day, and its graceful curved columns make it one of the most photographed buildings in South America.

Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (JK Bridge)

This beautiful modern bridge arches across Lake Paranoá in a series of swooping curves, and it is especially spectacular when lit up at night.

Parque Nacional de Brasília

Just outside the city, this national park protects the precious cerrado savannah ecosystem and has natural swimming pools fed by crystal-clear streams where visitors love to splash around.