San Diego, California (BDCi) Brasilia: The Highest expression of Architectural Modernism on Earth From 1763 to 1960, Rio

o de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil. At this time, resources tended to be centered in Brazil's southeast region near Rio de Janeiro. Brasilias geographically central location within the country made for a more regionally neutral federal capital. President Juscelino Kubitschek ordered the construction of Brasilia, fulfilling a long-forgotten article of the country's republican constitutions stating that the capital should be relocated from Rio de Janeiro. Today, it hosts over Its modern urban planner was Lcio Costa. Oscar Niemeyer, the worldwide famous Brazilian architect whose pure geometry and futuristic forms and shapes can be found everywhere in town, was the chief architect and Roberto Burle Marx was the landscape designer. Working together they achieved a collection of buildings that has rightly been called the highest expression of architectural Modernism on earth. Catetinho, the first stage in the creation of Brasilia, where President Kubitschek lived during the construction of the capital. Brasilia was built in 41 months, from 1956 to April 21, 1960 when it was officially inaugurated. If seen from above, the city's pilot plan resembles the shape of an airplane; some people consider that it looks like a bird with open wings. The architect, Lcio Costa's original urban concept arranged the city in the shape of a cross, to symbolize possession. He planned the city around large avenues, which divided it into sectors. The best place in town to get a great view is from the top of the main Television Tower. There is also a restaurant at the first floor, the lower deck houses the National Museum of Gemstones. At the west side of Esplanada dos Ministerios, visit also the National Museum, which has an interesting historical displays and a comprehensive firearms collection. Unlike many other towns in Brazil, in Brasilia you need a car for almost everything. The modernist architecture is stunning. Many of the buildings set along the central axis are surreal in their appearance. They are meant to impress. The houses along the wings of the airplane shaped city all look out onto parks, while wide boulevards lead into the center. It was a laboratory for modernist architects and urban planners, and today the city is a Mecca for anyone interested in architecture. Brasilia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so you can visit many famous and beautiful buildings as you can see below: National Cathedral: Impressive building in the shape of a crown with angels suspended in the interior. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia is an expression of the geniality of the architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 1960, the Cathedral's structure was finished, and only the 70 m diameter of the circular

area and the 16 concrete columns were visible. These columns represent two hands moving upwards to heaven. Four bronze sculptures representing the Evangelists, can be seen at the external square in the entrance of the Temple. Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro: One of the best tourist attractions It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It has a pyramidal shape and 46 meters high. The faade was decorated by the artist Athos Bulco. The theatrical complex includes three halls: Villa Lobos, Martins Pena and Alberto Nepomuceno. Power Complex embraces many buildings like: Palcio do Planalto, Congresso Nacional, The Senate, Praa dos Trs Poderes, Palcio do Itamaraty. Palcio do Planalto: Palcio do Planalto is the seat of the Brazilian Government. The name means "Palace of the Plateau". Brasilia was built on the Central Brazilian Plateau, a large area that covers a few States in central Brazil. Often times, Brasilia is referred to as "o Planalto". National Congress and The Senate: These are the two tallest buildings in the Federal District. The two hemi-spheres are the Plenary of the Senate and the Federal Chamber. The hemi-sphere looking down is the Senate, and the other one is the Chamber. According to Niemeyer, the Senate is by nature more conservative, whereas the Chamber is more opened to the popular clamor; so, the Senate was built more hermetic, and the Chamber more opened. Also, because the Senate and the Chamber have complementary functions, they were also shaped in a complementary way. Praa dos Trs Poderes: Considered the main reason of the existence of Brasilia. The entire city was planned and built with this Square in mind. Praa dos Trs Poderes means Three Powers Square. The seats of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary Powers are located around the square, making a nearly equilateral triangle. Palcio do Itamaraty: The head office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Itamaraty Palace (Palcio do Itamaraty) is one of Niemeyer's most radiant buildings. The bridge over an enormous ornamental pool dotted with islands of tropical plants leads to one of the largest public art collections in Brazil. Athos Bulco created the embossed marble walls. Burle Marx designed the gardens, featuring plants from the Amazon region, and Bruno Giorgi (who created the Hanging Angels in the Brasilia Cathedral) carved the sculpture Meteoro from a single four-ton block of Carrar marble, which has been exposed in the water garden in front of the Palace since 1967. There are also numerous works by other great artists on display, including sculptures by Maria Martins, Victor

Brecheret and Alfredo Ceschiatti, and paintings by Portinari, Manabu Mabe and Alfredo Volpi. Foreign artists such as Frans Post, Rugendas and Debret also depict scenes of Brazil's past. The Palcio da Alvorada: The first building to be inaugurated in Brasilia, in 1958. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer its name means "Palace of the Dawn", and was given by Juscelino Kubitscheck him self, who used to say that, Brasilia is a new dawn in the History of Brazil". Templo da Boa Vontade (Temple of Good Will) The Temple of Good Will is the greatest symbol of Universal Love, of the exaltation of Life and of Unrestricted Ecumenism, and whose doors have never closed since its inauguration, remaining open 24 hours a day and its the most visited of the Brazilian capital, receiving over a million pilgrims per year. Each aspect of the work was meticulously studied, transforming it into a meeting point of Superior Spirituality, of Culture, of Art, of Ecology and of Scientific and Spiritual Medicine. A pure crystal rests at its pinnacle. The darkened base of the Temple creates the impression that it floats on the lawn, as if it were a landed space ship. Vale do Amanhecer (Valley of Dawning) Was founded by a medium (person with paranormal sensitivity) called Tia Neiva, and is located in the city of Planaltina, about 42 km from Brasilia. This is considered the most impressive case of religious syncretism in Brazil. The valley integrates beliefs and entities of several religions, such as AfroBrazilian, Indian, Egyptian, gypsy, Incas, Aztecs, Mayas and even extraterrestrial. The scenery of the valley, with symbols and images mixed with the typical costumes of the mediums make it an unforgettable place. Twin towns / Sister cities

Abuja, Nigeria Amsterdam, Netherlands Beijing, China Berlin, Germany Bogot, Colombia Boston, Massachusetts, United States Buenos Aires, Argentina (since 2002)

Doha, Qatar Khartoum, Sudan Lima, Peru Lisbon, Portugal Montevideo, Uruguay Rome, Italy Xi'an, China (since 1997)