Brasília Ministries Esplanade with National Congress and ministerial buildings aligned

The Ministries Esplanade in Brasília, with the National Congress and ministerial buildings aligned, is the symbol of Brazilian federal power.

About this subject

The Ministries Esplanade is the monumental axis of Brasília's Pilot Plan, designed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer. Inaugurated in 1960, it houses the seats of the three branches of government: Executive (Palácio do Planalto), Legislative (National Congress), and Judiciary (Supreme Federal Court). The architectural ensemble consists of 17 identical ministerial buildings symmetrically arranged along a 2 km avenue connecting the Three Powers Square to the Brasília Bus Station. The National Congress, with its iconic convex and concave domes, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. The Esplanade was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 as part of Brasília's urban ensemble. On overcast days, the landscape gains dramatic contrast, highlighting the modernist lines and the vastness of the surrounding cerrado savanna.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ministries are located on the Ministries Esplanade?

There are 17 identical ministerial buildings on the Esplanade, designed to house the federal government ministries.

What is the distance between the National Congress and the Three Powers Square?

The Esplanade is about 2 km long, connecting the National Congress to the Three Powers Square, where the Palácio do Planalto and the Supreme Federal Court are located.

Why does the National Congress have two different domes?

The convex dome (facing upward) houses the Senate, symbolizing openness to the people, while the concave dome (facing downward) houses the Chamber of Deputies, symbolizing reflection and oversight.