Brasília celebrates 66 years as a modernist urban landmark

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, recently marked its 66th anniversary, celebrating its legacy as a landmark of modernist architecture and urban planning. Founded in 1960 to serve as a symbol of national integration, the city was constructed in just over three years in a region previously dominated by Cerrado vegetation.

In 1987, UNESCO recognized Brasília as a World Heritage site, making it the first and only modern city to receive such a distinction. This recognition honors the innovative Plano Piloto design, which integrates residential areas, administrative sectors, public spaces, and extensive green zones.

Key architectural landmarks within the heritage site include the Eixo Monumental, the Praça dos Três Poderes, the Esplanada dos Ministérios, and the residential superquadras. Iconic structures such as the National Congress, the Palácio do Planalto, the Supreme Federal Court, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Theater serve as central pillars of the city's urban identity.