The giant flag
Changed every month.
Joehawkins — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Juliana Werneck — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Senado Federal — CC BY 2.0
The Three Powers Plaza is the political heart of Brasília, laid out by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer as the place where the three branches of the state meet: the executive in the Planalto Palace, the president's office; the legislature in the National Congress; and the judiciary in the Supreme Federal Court. It is a wide, open plaza of white stone ringed by modernist buildings of simple lines. Above it flies a huge Brazilian flag weighing about 90 kilograms that has never been lowered since the capital opened on 21 April 1960, except to be replaced; it is changed every month in a ceremony attended by an honour guard. The plaza also holds the Espaço Lúcio Costa, with a scale model of the city that explains its plan, shaped like an aeroplane or a bird. The plaza is open and sunny with little shade, so early morning or late afternoon suits a visit best. It is a security zone, so follow the guards' instructions.
Changed every month.
The city model.
The president's office.
Eastern end of the Monumental Axis, Brasília
National Congress of BrazilThe National Congress is the best-known building of Brasília, the capital planne4 minutes walk4.2
Itamaraty PalaceThe Itamaraty Palace is the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs8 minutes walk4.8
Cathedral of BrasíliaThe Cathedral of Brasília is one of Oscar Niemeyer's boldest buildings, designed19 minutes walk4.9The Planalto Palace, the president's office; the National Congress; the Supreme Federal Court; a giant flag flying since 1960; and a scale model of the city in the Espaço Lúcio Costa.