Brazil
Brasília
Welcome to Brasília, Brazil! This entire capital city was planned and built from nothing starting in the 1950s, filled with swooping, futuristic buildings that still look like something from outer space.
Why is it famous?
Brasília is famous for its bold, futuristic architecture — curved white buildings that look nothing like a normal city, all designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer.
The whole city was laid out to look like an airplane or a bird from above, with government buildings along the 'fuselage' and neighborhoods spreading out like wings.
How was it built?
Brazil's leaders decided in the 1950s to build a brand-new capital city in the middle of the country, and construction began in 1956 on empty land.
The most famous building, the Cathedral of Brasília, is shaped like a crown of thorns — 16 huge curved concrete columns, each weighing 90 tons, sweep upward to hold a glass roof.
Amazing facts
Brasília was built in just about 41 months — an incredibly fast time to construct an entire capital city from scratch.
The Cathedral of Brasília's roof is almost entirely made of blue, green, and white stained glass, filling the inside with colorful light.
Quick facts
- Brasília was built in just about 41 months — an incredibly fast time to construct an entire capital city from scratch.
- The Cathedral of Brasília's roof is almost entirely made of blue, green, and white stained glass, filling the inside with colorful light.
- The whole city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its unique modern design.
- Before it became the capital in 1960, the area where Brasília now stands was mostly empty grassland.