Ministério, Catedral (2012-06-14) by Joana FrançaInstituto dos Arquitetos do Brasil - Departamento Distrito Federal
The Cathedral of Brasília
A marvel of modernist architecture, the Cathedral of Brasilia, which stands at the center of the Monumental Axis, is a defining symbol of the nation's capital city.
By Frank ScherschelLIFE Photo Collection
It was designed by the celebrated architect, Oscar Niemeyer, and was his first project for a city which became his life's work.
Catedral by Bento VianaInstituto dos Arquitetos do Brasil - Departamento Distrito Federal
Situated below the street level, sixteen boomerang-shaped columns rise from the ground to give shape to its famous crown-like exterior.
“I projected it circularly, with curvy columns that elevate to the sky, as in a gesture of reclaim and communication” -Oscar Niemeyer
Cathedral of Brasilia
Cathedral of Brasília
It officially opened on the 31 of May, 1970 and the Cathedral today is able to welcome about 4,000 people. Click and move around to explore it in three dimensions.
Cathedral of Brasília
Dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil’s patron saint, the hyperbolic crown is a defining element of the city’s skyline, as well as being characteristic of Niemeyer’s use of concrete and glass.
Cathedral of Brasília
The impressive metal cross sitting atop the Cathedral stretches to 12 meters in height and holds inside two relics from the Catholic Church.
The glass from the external façade ends just above the surrounding water, allowing air humidity to enter the Cathedral from underneath.
Catedral refletida by Bento VianaInstituto dos Arquitetos do Brasil - Departamento Distrito Federal
Surrounding the exterior of the Cathedral, the water mirror reflects the beauty of the structure, but also serves to help cool the high temperatures of the scorching Cerrado climate.
Metropolitan Cathedral Our Lady of Aparecida (1987) by BrasiliaUNESCO World Heritage
Color and light
The stained glass by French-Brazilian artist Marianne Peretti adds color while maintaining the transparency of the glass façade and allowing for natural light to illuminate the interior.
Tile Panel from Brasília Cathedral Baptistery Tile Panel from Brasília Cathedral Baptistery (1970) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão
The Baptistry
Ceramic tiles by the artist Athos Bulcão adorn the panel of the baptistry.
Bra Silia (1961) by Dmitri KesselLIFE Photo Collection
Explore more of the city's marvelous constructions and Niemeyer's creations here.
