Brasília Postcards

Brasília is the capital of Brazil and is the only city in the world built in the 20th century to be awarded (in 1987) the status of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The city was planned and developed in 1956 with Lúcio Costa as the principal urban planner and Oscar Niemeyer as the principal architect. In 1960, it formally became Brazil's national capital. When seen from above, the city's shape resembles an airplane or a butterfly.

Brasilia Postcard 1Aerial view of the Monument Axis, TV Tower and Central Area

The Monumental Axis ("Eixo Monumental" in Portuguese) is a central avenue in Brasília's city design. The avenue begins on the National Congress of Brazil building and is considered part of the DF-002 road. It's first section is known as "Ministries Esplanade" ("Esplanada dos Ministérios"), as it's surrounded by ministries buildings. Many important government buildings, monuments and memorials are located on the Monumental Axis.

Brasilia Postcard 2Palacio do Planalto

The Palácio do Planalto is the official workplace of the President of Brazil. The architect of the Palácio do Planalto was Oscar Niemeyer, the "creator" of most of the important buildings in the new capital of Brasília. The idea was to project an image of simplicity and modernity using fine lines and waves to compose the columns and exterior structures. The Palace is four stories high, and has an area of 36,000 m². Four other adjacent buildings are also part of the complex.

SOURCES:UNESCO World Heritage: Brasília
Monumental Axis Wikipedia Entry
Palácio do Planalto Wikipedia Entry