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Landmark: Mandeville MarketCity: Mandeville
Country: Jamaica
Continent: North America
Mandeville Market, Mandeville, Jamaica, North America
The Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Brasília, Brazil.
Visual Characteristics
The cathedral features a hyperbolic paraboloid structure constructed from 16 concrete columns, each weighing 90 tons. The exterior is clad in white concrete, with stained glass windows filling the spaces between the columns. The interior ceiling is a mosaic of blue, green, and white stained glass. A central nave leads to the altar, with a baptismal font located at the entrance.
Location & Access Logistics
The cathedral is situated in the Monumental Axis of Brasília, approximately 3km east of the city center. Access is via Eixo Monumental. Ample parking is available in designated lots surrounding the cathedral. Public transport options include bus lines 100, 101, and 102, which stop at the Praça dos Três Poderes, a short walk from the cathedral.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, construction began in 1958 and was completed in 1970. The original purpose was to serve as the metropolitan cathedral for Brasília. The architectural design is inspired by the shape of hands reaching towards the sky.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe the stained glass mosaics, the sculptures of the Four Evangelists by Alfredo Ceschiatti, and the central baptismal font. The crypt houses a collection of religious art. Photography is permitted within the cathedral.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on the premises. Limited shaded areas are present in the immediate vicinity. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good. Food vendors are not located directly at the cathedral but can be found in the nearby Praça dos Três Poderes.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal interior lighting and photography, visit during daylight hours when sunlight filters through the stained glass. The months of April to September offer drier weather conditions in Brasília.
Facts & Legends
A unique feature is the absence of a traditional bell tower; instead, four large bells are housed within the cathedral's structure. The sound is amplified by the concrete shell.
Nearby Landmarks
- Praça dos Três Poderes (0.2km West)
- Congresso Nacional (0.5km West)
- Palácio do Planalto (0.3km West)
- Supremo Tribunal Federal (0.4km West)
- Museu Nacional da República (1.5km Southwest)