Praça dos Três Poderes
Praça dos Três Poderes (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpɾasɐ dus ˈtɾe(j)s poˈdeɾis]; literally Three Powers Plaza) is a plaza in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. The name comes from the fact that the buildings having the Executive, represented by the Palácio do Planalto (presidential office); the Legislative represented by the Congresso Nacional (National Congress); and the Judiciary, represented by the Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Federal Court) are in this plaza.
The plaza was designed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer.
On 8 January 2023, the plaza was invaded by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro.[1]
Sculptures and museums narrate the tale of Brasília, with Bruno Giorgi's masterpiece "Os Dois Candangos" standing tall as one of the city's paramount symbols, epitomizing the laborers who forged its foundations. Adjacent to this iconic statue stands the Tea House, now transformed into a pivotal Tourist Service Center.
The Palácio do Planalto - The Executive[change | change source]
The third floor of the Palácio do Planalto serves as the official office of the President of the Republic, hosting a multitude of ministerial meetings in its expansive hall on the second floor. Adorned with works of art, the palace also houses a museum featuring a plenary room from its former headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, along with furniture, attire, and personal belongings of former ministers.
Praça dos Três Poderes is also home to the following monuments:
- Pantheon of the Fatherland (built in honor of former president-elect Tancredo Neves and the heroes of the country)
- Pira da Pátria, Marco Brasília (homage to the Unesco act that considered Brasília a Cultural Heritage City of Humanity)
- Brasilia Historical Museum
- National Pavilion (Brazilian Flag Mast, in a 100 meter high structure, with a 286 square meter flag, permanently hoisted)
- Lúcio Costa Spaces (Model of Brasília) and Oscar Niemeyer
The National Congress[2] - the Legislative[change | change source]
Comprising two domes symbolizing the plenary chambers of the Chamber of Deputies (upward-facing) and the Federal Senate (downward-facing), the architectural ensemble also features two 28-story vertical towers—Brasília's tallest buildings—housing the administrative offices of both Legislative Houses. Connected by a walkway forming the letter "H," a nod to the ideals of "man, honor, and honesty."
The Federal Supreme Court - The Judiciary[change | change source]
Facing the Palácio do Planalto stands the Federal Supreme Court,[3] its grandeur further emphasized by the commanding presence of Alfredo Ceschiatti's sculpture "A Justiça." In the heart of Praça dos Três Poderes, homage is paid to urban planner Lucio Costa, with a vast model faithfully replicating the Plano Piloto, while panels unveil facets of the original construction blueprint. Anchoring the square's end, the spaces dedicated to Israel Pinheiro and Oscar Niemeyer serve as fitting complements to these tributes.
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Supporters of ex-President Bolsonaro storm Brazil's Congress". NBC News. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
- ↑ "PRAÇA DOS TRÊS PODERES". Extraclasse (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ Renne, Monique. "Praça dos Três Poderes - Brasília". Guia Melhores Destinos (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
