Dome and bowl
The two chambers' shapes.
Eurico Zimbres — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Gribiche (Rob Sinclair) — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Sintegrity — CC BY-SA 4.0
The National Congress is the best-known building of Brasília, the capital planned from scratch and inaugurated on 21 April 1960, and Oscar Niemeyer designed it to be the city's emblem. It is made of twin office towers side by side, and on the roof of the low building in front two white forms: a dome for the Senate and an upturned bowl, open to the sky, for the Chamber of Deputies, surrounded by reflecting water. It houses both chambers of Brazil's parliament: the Senate, with three members for each state, and the Chamber of Deputies. From it the Esplanade of Ministries runs out with its matching buildings on either side of the Monumental Axis, and behind it lies the Three Powers Plaza. Free guided tours of about fifty minutes visit the main chambers; they are booked online, and times can change on session days. Bring ID or a passport. The finest view of the building is from the Esplanade at sunset.
The two chambers' shapes.
Above the reflecting water.
At sunset.
Esplanada dos Ministérios, at the end of the Monumental Axis
Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza)The Three Powers Plaza is the political heart of Brasília, laid out by Lúcio Cos4 minutes walk4.7
Itamaraty PalaceThe Itamaraty Palace is the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs4 minutes walk4.8
Cathedral of BrasíliaThe Cathedral of Brasília is one of Oscar Niemeyer's boldest buildings, designed15 minutes walk4.9Yes, on free guided tours of about fifty minutes, booked online; bring your passport.