Monumental Axis

Brasília

Brasilia showing modern architecture, a monument and a city
Monumental Axis which includes a monument and modern architecture
Brasilia showing a garden, modern architecture and a monument
Brasilia showing central business district, modern architecture and a city
Brasilia featuring a city, modern architecture and a monument
Find the vast majority of Brasília’s finest architectural gems and most important institutions along this amazingly wide thoroughfare. 

Explore the heart and soul of a captivating city along Brasília’s Monumental Axis. This broad highway stands among the widest roads in the world with multiple lanes in each direction separated by a median strip wide enough to host events. Enjoy the rare experience of driving down this motorway as you pass by Brasília’s visually impressive cultural and governmental buildings.

The Monumental Axis was constructed after the 1950s as a fundamental part of President Juscelino Kubitschek’s plan for a sleek, modern city. It runs east to west through the central line of Brasília’s airplane-like design. If you’re visiting Brasília, you’ll frequently use this crucial transportation avenue.

Most of the significant monuments, memorials and institutions that line the axis were designed by the award-winning Oscar Niemeyer. Start your experience of the axis at the farthest eastern point, where the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge provides a breathtaking visual experience above Lake Paranoá.

This road runs west into the government sector of Brasília, which lies appropriately in the “cockpit” of the city’s airplane design. Find the Three Powers Plaza where you can see the Supreme Court and the Planalto Palace next to the sleekly designed National Congress Building.

Farther west, enjoy the reflective pools surrounding the Itamaraty Palace and take the opportunity to appreciate the large circular nave at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Enjoy more of Niemeyer’s architectural genius in the cultural sector of the axis. Buildings here include the dome-shaped National Museum, an engaging National Art Gallery and the relaxing National Library.

At the westernmost sectors of the axis, see the inspired design of Brasília’s TV Tower, which lies in the center of the median strip. Nearby you’ll find the Memorial JK, which houses the body of Juscelino Kubitschek as well as his personal collections. Climb to the top of the TV Tower for an unforgettable view down the entire thoroughfare.

Explore the Monumental Axis by car or use bus routes that pass through the Central Station.


Popular places to visit

Things to do



Other neighborhoods around Monumental Axis

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Setor Hoteleiro Sul

4/5(6 area reviews)

Some popular features of Setor Hoteleiro Sul include its shopping and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Pátio Brasil Shopping or Brasilia TV Tower are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Setor Hoteleiro Sul
One pillar of the TV Tower.

Setor Hoteleiro Norte

4/5(4 area reviews)

Setor Hoteleiro Norte is well-liked for its breweries. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Brasília area, you might plan a trip to Brasilia Shopping Center or Brasilia TV Tower.

Setor Hoteleiro Norte
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Setor de Rádio e TV Sul

When in Setor de Rádio e TV Sul, you can plan a visit to Pátio Brasil Shopping and Brasilia TV Tower, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Setor de Rádio e TV Sul
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Setor Comercial Norte

Setor Comercial Norte is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Brasilia Shopping Center and Liberty Mall.

Setor Comercial Norte
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Setor Comercial Sul

While you're in Setor Comercial Sul, take in top sights like Pátio Brasil Shopping and jump on the metro at Galeria Station to see more of the city.

Setor Comercial Sul
National Library showing a city and modern architecture

Cultural Complex of the Republic

Travelers choose Cultural Complex of the Republic for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Central Station or Galeria Station and check out top sights like Conjunto National Mall.

Cultural Complex of the Republic


Monumental Axis