21 Best Sights in Brasilia and the West, Brazil

The city's cathedral, considered one of Niemeyer's masterpieces, was finished in 1967. From outside, what is visible is a circular structure—a bundle of 16 concrete "fingers" arching skyward. For some, it resembles a crown of thorns. Large panes of stained glass supported by the concrete structure shelter the nave, leaving it awash in natural light. Inside, Os Anjos (The Angels)—an aluminum sculpture by Brazilian artist Alfredo Ceschiatti—hovers above the altar. The city's first Mass was held at the Praça do Cruzeiro, on May 3, 1957; the cruz (cross) used is now here at the cathedral. The building's entrance is guarded by four majestic bronze statues, also by Ceschiatti, Os Evangelistas (The Evangelists). The outdoor carillon is a gift of the Spanish government.

Located on the second floor of the imposing headquarters of Brazil's central bank, this exhibition explores the often turbulent history of the nation's notes and coins, providing a detailed history of Brazil along the way. Look out for the highest-denomination note ever issued in Brazil. There is also a well designed and informative section devoted to gold and gold mining. On the eighth floor, don't miss the bank's art gallery, home to one of the finest collections of modernist Brazilian art in the country.

Open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, the president's official residence was Niemeyer's first project in the new capital and is located at the edge of Lago Paranoá. Niemeyer used delicate slanting support columns, here clad in white marble. The name of the building translates as Palace of the Dawn, and its design is suitably inspired. Get here by 2 pm to avoid a long wait for a guided tour (Portuguese only).

For the home of the Foreign Ministry, Niemeyer designed a glass-enclosed rectangular structure with a series of elegant arches on the facade. It's widely considered one of his masterpieces. A reflecting pool augments the sense of spaciousness. The building and the water create a perfect backdrop for the Meteoro (Meteor), a round, abstract Carrara-marble sculpture by Brazilian-Italian artist Bruno Giorgi. A guided tour shows a collection of art—including paintings by Brazilian artists like Cândido Portinari—and the impressive tropical gardens by Brazilian landscape designer Burle Marx.

While the new capital was being built, the president's temporary quarters was called the Catetinho, meaning a smaller version of the grand Palácio do Catete in Rio. The wooden edifice was built in 10 days during the summer of 1956. A nearby landing strip allowed the president to fly in from Rio for his frequent inspections. The recently restored building is a must-see museum for those interested in the city's history. It's surrounded by woods with a small spring where the president and his entourage once bathed.

One of Niemeyer's most daring projects consists of two 28-story office towers for the 500 representatives of the Câmara dos Deputados (House of Representatives) and the 80 members of the Senado (Senate). The convex dome is where the Câmara meets, and the concave bowl-like structure is where the Senado convenes. The main building is connected by tunnels to several anexos (annexes) located at the sides of Eixo Monumental. The complex contains works by such Brazilian artists as Di Cavalcanti, Bulcão, and Ceschiatti. A guided tour takes you through major sites within the building. Booking is mandatory on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and tours in English are available by request. No shorts or sandals allowed.

To view the best sunset in town, head to the Ermida Dom Bosco, in a peaceful setting by the southern shores of Lake Paranoá. There's a small shrine to Dom Bosco, but most people come here to walk, run, swim in the lake, or just watch the sunset with friends.

As a tribute to the urban planner who masterminded Brasília, this underground complex was added to the plaza and inaugurated in 1992. It has a 1,500-square-foot display of the city's blueprint, and you can read Costa's original ideas for the project (the text is in Portuguese and English).

This 300-foot steel flagpole supporting a 242-square-foot Brazilian flag is the only element of Praça dos Três Poderes not designed by Niemeyer. In the morning of the first Sunday of the month, members of the armed forces take part in a troca da bandeira (flag changing) ceremony, to the sound of the Brazilian Army band.

Another Niemeyer project, this cylindrical structure was inspired by the huts built by the Yanomami people. A spiraling ramp leads to a central plaza where collections of indigenous crafts are displayed. Highlights among the main collection include pottery, headdresses, and feather ornaments made by the Kayapó, the Xavante, and other indigenous peoples. The space often houses temporary exhibits from other collections.

Brasília's first museum has a small collection of pictures of the city and writings about it by such luminaries as Pope Pius XII, Kubitschek, and Niemeyer. The statue of Kubitschek on its facade is a 1960 work of Brazilian sculptor José Pedrosa.

This moderately interesting museum tells the story of Mato Grosso's turbulent and bloody past (in Portuguese only).

After more than 40 years in the planning stages, the National Museum opened in late 2006, on architect Oscar Niemeyer's 99th birthday. The sweeping, circular design was inspired by the oca, the round palm-covered hut of the country's native peoples. The space is mainly used to display frequently changing exhibits, often of works by international artists.

This 25-foot-tall bronze sculpture by Giorgi has become the symbol of Brasília. It pays homage to thecandangos, the workers who built the city from scratch. The statue, depicting two gracefully elongated figures holding poles, is across from the Palácio do Planalto.

Niemeyer gave this highly acclaimed structure, the office of the president, an unusual combination of straight and slanting lines, a variation of the design of Palácio da Alvorada. The access ramp to the main entrance is part of the national political folklore, because it represents the rise to power (presidents go up the ramp when inaugurated). It's only open to the public on Sunday.

Niemeyer designed this building to resemble a dove taking flight. Opened in 1986, the building honors such national heroes as Tancredo Neves, whose untimely death prevented him from being sworn in as Brazil's first democratically elected president after years of military dictatorship. Inside the curved structure are murals and stained-glass panels by Athos Bulcão, Marianne Peretti, and João Camara. One set of panels, Os Inconfidentes, depicts the martyrs of the 18th-century republican movement. It's extremely dark inside, so watch your step. An eternal flame burns opposite the memorial.

A few blocks from the Instituto Histórico and Geográfico is City Park or Parque da Cidade Dona Sarah Kubitschek, a collaborative effort by Costa, Niemeyer, and Burle Marx. Locals say the park is the largest city park in the world. Bright lights and the reassuring presence of security guards make an evening walk, run, or bike ride along a path more agreeable than ever. There are also playgrounds and fair rides for the young.

The Brazilian Supreme Court building is classic Niemeyer—an otherwise ponderous structure seems lighter than air because of the curving lines of the columns that support the roof. In front of the building is one of the city's best-known monuments, the 10-foot granite statue Justice, by Alfredo Ceschiatti. Except on weekends, you have to book ahead for a guided tour.

This temple is adjacent to the national headquarters of the Legião da Boa Vontade (Goodwill Legion), a religious and philanthropic organization. The building is a 60-foot-tall pyramidal structure with seven sides. At the apex sits a 46-pound quartz crystal, the largest ever found in Brazil. Inside, several kitsch thematic spaces—such as the Egyptian Room and Noble Room—are open to all denominations for worship or meditation.

You'll have a 360-degree view of the city from the Salão Panorâmico (Observation Deck) of this TV tower, which stands over 700-feet high and was designed by Lúcio Costa with the Eiffel Tower as a model. At night the view of the Congress building is spectacular.