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Landmark: Mandeville Golf ClubCity: Mandeville
Country: Jamaica
Continent: North America
Mandeville Golf Club, Mandeville, Jamaica, North America
The Palácio do Planalto is the official seat of the executive branch of the government of Brazil, located in the capital city of Brasília.
Visual Characteristics
This modernist building features a rectangular prism structure supported by 36 concrete columns, each 8 meters high. The exterior is clad in white granite and blue glass. The building has four floors above ground and one below. Its design emphasizes transparency and openness, with large glass facades and open courtyards.
Location & Access Logistics
The Palácio do Planalto is situated in Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília, DF. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the city center. Access is restricted, and visitors typically arrive via organized tours or official appointments. Public transport to the Praça dos Três Poderes is available via several bus lines, including routes 100, 106, and 108. Parking is limited within the immediate vicinity of the Praça, with designated areas for official vehicles and tour buses.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, construction of the Palácio do Planalto began in 1958 and was completed in 1960. It was built as part of the planned city of Brasília, intended to centralize the federal government. Its original purpose was to house the office of the President of Brazil and their staff.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe the exterior architecture and the surrounding Praça dos Três Poderes. Official guided tours are sometimes available, offering access to certain interior areas and historical exhibits. Photography of the exterior is permitted. Access to the interior is generally limited to official functions and pre-arranged tours.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within the building for official use and during guided tours. Limited shaded areas are present in the surrounding Praça. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity. Food vendors are not typically located directly at the Palácio, but options exist in the nearby commercial sectors of Brasília.
Best Time to Visit
For exterior photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions due to the sun's angle. The best months for visiting Brasília are generally from April to September, during the dry season, which offers clearer skies and less rainfall. There are no tide-related considerations for visiting this inland landmark.
Facts & Legends
The Palácio do Planalto's name translates to "Planalto Palace," referring to the Brazilian Highlands (Planalto Central) where Brasília is located. A unique feature is the sculpture "A Justiça" (Justice) by Alfredo Ceschiatti, located in front of the building, which is a bronze statue of a woman holding scales and a sword.
Nearby Landmarks
- Congresso Nacional (National Congress) - 0.2km West
- Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Federal Court) - 0.3km West
- Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília (Brasília Cathedral) - 1.8km Northwest
- Museu Nacional da República (National Museum of the Republic) - 1.9km Northwest
- Torre de TV de Brasília (Brasília TV Tower) - 2.5km Northwest