National Congress Travel Guide

The National Congress Palace, or Palácio do Congresso Nacional, is a prominent building in Brasília, serving as the meeting place for Brazil's National Congress. Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, it stands as a symbol of Brazilian democracy and a masterpiece of modernist architecture.Since the 1960s, the National Congress has been located in Brasília, with the building designed in Niemeyer's signature modernist style. The building is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The semi-sphere on the left houses the Senate, while the semi-sphere on the right is the seat of the Chamber of Deputies. Twin 28-story towers rise between the two chambers and are home to legislators' offices and administrative functions. The Congress also occupies surrounding office buildings, some connected by a tunnel.The National Congress is situated on the Monumental Axis, Brasília's main thoroughfare. In front of the building is a large lawn used for demonstrations. Behind it lies the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza), where the Palácio do Planalto (Presidential Palace) and the Supreme Federal Court are located. The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage declared the National Congress a historical heritage site in 2007. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.Visitors can take free guided tours of the National Congress, offered through a partnership between the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The tours, which last approximately 50 minutes, provide insights into the Brazilian legislative branch.