Arches over water
Niemeyer's facade.
A C Moraes — CC BY 2.0 · Ricardo Patiño — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Cancillería del Ecuador from Ecuador — CC BY-SA 2.0
The Itamaraty Palace is the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, for many, the finest of Oscar Niemeyer's buildings in Brasília. It opened on 21 April 1970 and was first called the Palace of the Arches, after the row of slender concrete arches on its fronts that seem to stand in the pool around the building; the name of the ministry's old headquarters in Rio de Janeiro won out in the end. The landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx designed all its gardens, including a water garden of tropical plants in the pool and a roof garden. Its best-known interior feature is a concrete spiral staircase with no handrail that seems to defy gravity, along with a collection of Brazilian furniture and art. Guided tours are free and last about an hour and a quarter, but online booking is compulsory at least a day ahead; same-day booking is not possible. Bring your passport.
Niemeyer's facade.
With no handrail.
Water and roof gardens.
Esplanade of Ministries, east of the National Congress
National Congress of BrazilThe National Congress is the best-known building of Brasília, the capital planne4 minutes walk4.2
Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza)The Three Powers Plaza is the political heart of Brasília, laid out by Lúcio Cos8 minutes walk4.7
Cathedral of BrasíliaThe Cathedral of Brasília is one of Oscar Niemeyer's boldest buildings, designed12 minutes walk4.9On a free guided tour of about an hour and a quarter, booked online at least 24 hours ahead, Tuesday to Sunday, with your passport.