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National Congress: Brazil's Legislative Heart

Explore Brazil's National Congress in Brasília: a masterpiece of modernist architecture and the heart of the nation's legislative process.

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The National Congress in Brasília is a striking modernist building designed by Oscar Niemeyer, housing the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. Its iconic domes and towers symbolize Brazil's legislative power and offer a glimpse into the country's political landscape.

A brief summary to National Congress

  • Palácio do Congresso Nacional - Praça dos 3 Poderes, Brasília, Brasília, Federal District, 70160-900, BR
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Local tips

  • Tours are free, but booking in advance is recommended, especially for groups or tours in languages other than Portuguese.
  • Dress modestly; shorts, sleeveless shirts, and miniskirts are not allowed on weekdays.
  • Photography without flash is permitted, except during plenary sessions.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography and more comfortable temperatures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Praça dos Três Poderes, the National Congress is easily accessible on foot. The building is located in the center of the plaza, between the Palácio do Planalto and the Supreme Federal Court. Simply walk towards the iconic domes and towers. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the National Congress via public transport, take a bus to the central bus station (Rodoviária do Plano Piloto). From there, you can walk (approximately 20 minutes) or take a local bus (lines 110, 113, or 124) to the Esplanada dos Ministérios. The National Congress is a short walk from the bus stops in the Esplanada area. Bus fare: R$6-R$12.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    For a quicker journey, use a taxi or ride-sharing service. Set your destination to 'Palácio do Congresso Nacional - Praça dos 3 Poderes, Brasília - DF'. From Planalto Central, expect to pay around R$40 to R$100. Taxi fares in Brasilia are calculated by taximeter, with a base fee of €0.74 (BRL 4.08) and a cost per km of €0.40 (BRL 2.22).

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Discover more about National Congress

The National Congress Palace, or Palácio do Congresso Nacional, stands as a symbol of Brazilian democracy and architectural innovation in Brasília. Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, the building has been the seat of the Legislative branch since 1960, when the capital was moved from Rio de Janeiro. The National Congress is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The building's design reflects Niemeyer's signature modernist style, featuring two distinct domes: a concave one representing the Chamber of Deputies and a convex one representing the Federal Senate. These domes, along with the twin 28-story office towers, create a unique and recognizable silhouette against the Brasília skyline. The building is situated on the Monumental Axis, the main thoroughfare of Brasília, within the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza), alongside the Palácio do Planalto (Presidential office) and the Supreme Federal Court. Visitors can take free guided tours to learn about the history, architecture, and functions of the National Congress. The tours, led by mediators from both the Chamber and the Senate, typically last about 50-60 minutes and offer insights into the Brazilian legislative process. The tour route includes the Black Hall, Noble Hall, Green Hall and the Ulysses Guimarães Plenary Chamber. The building also houses libraries, museums, and art galleries, providing a comprehensive cultural experience. The National Congress building was designated a historical heritage site in 2007 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

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