Praça dos Três Poderes, Government square in Brasília, Brazil
Praça dos Três Poderes is a government square in Brasília where three major state buildings stand in a triangular layout. The National Congress, Supreme Federal Court, and Presidential Palace surround a wide paved open space used for ceremonial purposes.
The plaza was completed in 1960 with the inauguration of the new capital and named after the democratic principle of separation of powers. Its design followed the urban planning concept of Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer, who sought to express the new beginning of Brazil in the interior.
The name refers to the three equal branches of government represented by their headquarters here. During state ceremonies and celebrations, officials and visitors gather on the open plaza while the Brazilian flag flies above the grounds.
The public space is accessible daily and offers direct views of the surrounding buildings from different angles. Guided tours through the government buildings take place on weekdays and require prior registration at the respective entrances.
Several sculptures by Bruno Giorgi and other artists stand on the plaza, reinforcing its modernist character. The wide expanse appears especially bright under sunlight, as the light-colored paving strongly reflects the light.
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