The construction of this ultra-modern city, situated in the centre of Brazil, began in 1956 and since its official foundation on April 21st 1960, it has served the purpose for which it was built: to replace Rio de Janeiro as the country’s capital.

As a result, the bulk of Brazil’s federal administration and political power are centred here.

The move to take the capital away from the coast gradually began gathering momentum after Brazil gained independence in 1822.

The switch was intended to symbolise the country’s change from a colonial state to an independent nation, and this intention was legally documented in 1891 by an article in the Constitution.

But it was not until 1953, under the presidency of Getulio Vargas, that the idea resurfaced. It fell to another president, Juscelino Kubitschek, to bring the project to fruition, with the start of construction in 1956 and the city’s official founding four years later both coming during his time in office.

One of the city’s striking features is its wide avenues, which surround both its public buildings and its two districts, one to the north and the other to the south. These are divided into so-called superblocks, each of which contain numerous buildings.

The central part of the cross is the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers’ Square). Here the country’s seats of Executive and Legislative Power can be found, as well as the headquarters of the Supreme Federal Court.

Widely considered to be avant-garde city in architectural terms, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia and the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge are without doubt the most iconic structures. Both were designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the man behind most of the landmark buildings in the new capital.

Due to its architectural feats, Brasilia is the only city in the world constructed in the 20th century to have been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Modernist wonders of Brasilia

Due to its political significance tourism in the city of Brasília stands out as an important business tourism destination with dozens of hotels spread around the national capital forming an integral part of the local economy.

The leisure tourism market is focused principally on the city’s striking modern architecture, while Brasília also acts as a strong stopover point en route to the Pantanal, Chapada dos Veadeiros in Goiás or Ilha do Bananal in Tocantins.

Football in Brasília

The Federal District of which Brasília is the capital is home to two clubs that have had recent successful surges in Brazil’s elite: Sociedade Esportiva do Gama and Brasiliense Futebol Clube - the surprising runners-up of the Copa do Brasil in 2002.

Brasília has a recognized tradition in hosting first-rate sporting events and was one of the host cities of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008, which was played at the Nilson Nelson - a sports hall situated right in front of the 45,000-seater Mané Garrincha Stadium.

The city also boasts two other important football grounds in the Serejão, where Brasiliense plays its home matches, and the Bezerrão - which was completely redesigned and inaugurated in November 2008 with the presence of the Seleção in a 6-2 blow out win over Portugal.

Fast Facts

Name: Brasília
State: Brazilian Federal District
Population: 2,606,885
Altitude: 1,172 m
Climate: The capital’s climate is Tropical savanna climate, with temperatures dipping slightly in June, July and August.
Professional Football Clubs: Sociedade Esportiva do Gama and Brasiliense Futebol Clube.