Cathedral of Brasília

Cathedral of Brasília

Distrito Federal

90/10090 min

The Cathedral of Brasília, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, is a striking Roman Catholic cathedral located in Brazil's capital. Designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and engineered by Joaquim Cardozo, it was completed and dedicated in 1970. The cathedral features a unique hyperboloid structure formed by 16 massive concrete columns, symbolizing hands reaching upwards to heaven. Its glass roof, adorned with a 2,000-square-meter stained glass artwork by Marianne Peretti, floods the interior with vibrant natural light. The cathedral can accommodate up to 4,000 worshippers and includes an oval baptistery decorated with ceramic tiles by Athos Bulcão. The exterior plaza displays imposing bronze sculptures of the four Evangelists and a 20-meter bell tower with bells donated by Spanish residents. The altar, a gift from Pope Paul VI, and the suspended angel sculptures add to the cathedral's artistic and spiritual significance. Serving as the seat of the Archdiocese of Brasília, the cathedral is both a religious sanctuary and an architectural masterpiece symbolizing faith and modernity.

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Consejo: The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the architecture and artwork. Guided tours are available and recommended for deeper understanding. Visitors should consider booking tickets in advance for special events or large groups. The cathedral offers accessibility features and is open daily, but checking the official website for service times and special ceremonies is advised. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and religious groups.

Datos interesantes

  • The cathedral's 16 concrete columns each weigh 90 tons and form a hyperboloid shape symbolizing hands reaching to heaven.
  • The stained glass roof was created by Marianne Peretti in 1990, covering 2,000 square meters with vibrant colors.
  • The bell tower stands 20 meters tall and houses four large bells cast in Miranda de Ebro, Spain.
  • Sculptures of three angels by Alfredo Ceschiatti hang suspended over the nave, varying in size and weight.
  • The altar was donated by Pope Paul VI, highlighting the cathedral's significance within the Catholic Church.

Historia

1958

The cornerstone of the Cathedral of Brasília was laid on September 15, 1958, and the main structure was completed by 1960.

Initially envisioned as an ecumenical cathedral during President Juscelino Kubitschek's term, funding challenges delayed its completion.

1968

The cathedral was consecrated in 1968, officially opening in 1970.

1977

The baptistery was dedicated in 1977, and in 1990, the cathedral was declared a national historic and artistic monument.

Its design and construction reflect the ambitious urban planning of Brasília and the innovative structural engineering of the era.

Guía del lugar

1
Concrete Columns1960
Oscar Niemeyer (architect), Joaquim Cardozo (engineer)

Sixteen massive concrete columns shaped like hands reaching upwards, forming the cathedral's distinctive hyperboloid structure.

2
Stained Glass Roof1990
Marianne Peretti

A vast stained glass artwork by Marianne Peretti, spanning 2,000 square meters, illuminates the interior with hues of blue, green, white, and brown.

3
Bronze Sculptures of the Evangelists1968
Alfredo Ceschiatti and Dante Croce

Four 2.5-meter tall bronze sculptures representing the Evangelists, created by Alfredo Ceschiatti and Dante Croce, stand in the cathedral's plaza.

4
Bell Tower1968
Unknown

A 20-meter tall bell tower containing four large bells donated by Spanish residents, cast in Miranda de Ebro, Spain.

5
Oval Baptistery1977
Athos Bulcão

Located to the left of the entrance, the baptistery features ceramic tiles painted by Athos Bulcão and can be accessed via a spiral staircase or from inside the cathedral.

6
Suspended Angel Sculptures1970
Alfredo Ceschiatti and Dante Croce

Three angels of varying sizes and weights, created by Alfredo Ceschiatti with Dante Croce, hang suspended over the nave, adding to the cathedral's artistic ambiance.

Contacto

Teléfono: (61) 3224-4073

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