Showing 1-7 of 7 results
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Catedral Metropolitana
With its 16 curved columns and its wavy stained-glass interior, the Catedral Metropolitana is heavenly viewing, though it's a shame some of its stained glass has been allowed to fall into disrepair. At the entrance are the haunting Four Disciples statues carved by Ceschiatti, who also made the aluminum angels hanging inside.
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Congresso Nacional
Featuring the photogenic 'dishes' and twin towers, the congress building, Congresso Nacional, is one of the more interesting buildings on the inside as well. In addition to the color-coded chambers of the Senate (blue) and House of Representative (green) - so '60's gauche - there is an architecturally interesting 'Tunnel of Time' and an exhibit of antique senate benches and microphones from 1867. English tours are available by appointment.
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Palácio do Itamaraty
Palácio do Itamaraty is home to the Foreign Ministry and one of the most impressive buildings - a series of arches towering over a reflecting pool and floating gardens landscaped by Burle Marx. Its rooms are tastefully decorated with antiques and art objects.
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Palácio do Planalto
The president's office, the Palácio do Planalto, is another Niemeyer design that's worth seeing, both inside and out. From the curved lines of the exterior to the lustrous columns and sweeping curved ramp inside, it's one of the best examples of architectural Modernism in the world. On the tour, which is only available on Sundays, you can even peek into the President's office.
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Santuário Dom Bosco
Even more impressive than Catedral Metropolitana, the Santuário Dom Bosco is made of concrete columns that support 7400 pieces of illuminated Murano glass symbolizing a starry sky. It casts an otherworldly blue and purple glow over the whole interior. It's near the budget hotels at Quadra 702.
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Templo da Boa Vontade
The Templo da Boa Vontade (Temple of Goodwill) was created by the Legion of Goodwill in 1989 as a symbol of universal solidarity. It incorporates seven pyramids, joined to form a cone that is topped with the biggest raw crystal you will ever see. Inside there's a meditative space.
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TV Tower
The 75m-high observation deck of the TV Tower is the second-best place to get a bird's-eye view of the city (after a helicopter ride), but it's still not tall enough to really get a sense of the city's airplane design. That's not a favela at its base; a handicrafts fair runs on weekends and holidays.
Showing 1-7 of 7 results
