square / civic center · Brasília, DF
Praça dos Três Poderes
Where the Planalto, the Supreme Court and the Congress meet, surrounded by sculptures such as Os Guerreiros and the Dove of Peace. This is where Lucio Costa's plan makes sense.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praça dos Três Poderes
The Praça dos Três Poderes lies at the eastern end of the Eixo Monumental and brings together, around a large open esplanade, the Palácio do Planalto, the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court. It is where Brasília's plan reaches its symbolic end: the three branches of the Republic side by side, facing the citizen.
The square was conceived by Lucio Costa and designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and it was ready for the capital's inauguration in 1960. The buildings form a triangle, with the Planalto on one side, the Supreme Court on the other and the Congress at the back, with its two domes, one facing up and the other down, and the twin towers in the middle.
On the square itself are monuments and small cultural spaces: the Museu da Cidade, the Espaço Lucio Costa, with a large model of the Plano Piloto, the Panteão da Pátria e da Liberdade Tancredo Neves, the Pombal (dovecote) and the Flagpole, about 100 meters tall. Sculptures such as Os Candangos by Bruno Giorgi and A Justiça by Alfredo Ceschiatti are among the most photographed images of Brasília.
You visit on foot, on flat ground, but the square is huge and has almost no shade. It makes sense for anyone who wants to understand the city's design, enjoys modern architecture or is looking for the capital's classic postcard view.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours is enough to cross the square at a relaxed pace, see the monuments and visit the Espaço Lucio Costa and the Museu da Cidade.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, the sky is usually clear and deep blue; early morning and late afternoon have softer light for photos and less heat on the esplanade.
How to get there
It is at the end of the Esplanada dos Ministérios, at the eastern end of the Eixo Monumental, in the Plano Piloto. By car or ride-hailing app you get there directly via the Eixo Monumental. Bus lines running along the Esplanada leave from the Rodoviária do Plano Piloto (central bus station); on foot, the walk from the Rodoviária is long and shadeless.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: the square is a large open space and Brasília's sun is strong all year.
A look at the place
Praça dos Três Poderes in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praça dos Três Poderes
Is there an entrance fee at the Praça dos Três Poderes?
No. The square is an open public space, free to access.
What is there at the Praça dos Três Poderes?
The Palácio do Planalto, the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court, plus the Museu da Cidade, the Espaço Lucio Costa, the Panteão da Pátria, the Pombal (dovecote), the Flagpole and sculptures such as Os Candangos.
How long does it take to visit the Praça dos Três Poderes?
One to two hours to walk around the square, see the monuments and visit the cultural spaces.
Can you walk from the Rodoviária to the Praça dos Três Poderes?
Yes, along the Esplanada dos Ministérios, but the walk is long and shadeless. Bus, car or ride-hailing app are more practical.
When is the flag-changing ceremony at the Praça dos Três Poderes?
The flag-changing ceremony is usually held on the first Sunday of the month, in the morning. Check the schedule before you go.