Having a history as significant, the architecture of Brasilia, reflects the richness and importance of culture as a planned city. The church as an institution is very important in society, so this design embodies a meaning and personality only people who are opposed to the forms present in the environment. Oscar Niemeyer intended to make a clear statement by the expression of major proportions and unique design in the Cathedral of Brasilia, which subsequently led to his receiving the Pritzker Prize in 1988.
The first stone was laid in early September 1958, when designs began to be proposed and fully planned by Oscar Niemeyer. With a diameter of 70 m, the only visible structure of the cathedral are sixteen columns of concrete in a very peculiar. The intention to reach the sky with both hands is represented by elements that project long in height, white curves and parabolic make the gesture.
After the addition of transparent exterior windows, the cathedral was dedicated on May 31, 1970. Continuous monitoring symbolic guards the cathedral from the outside, four bronze sculptures of 3 m each, fulfilled that role. They represent the evangelists and made with the help of Dante Cruz in 1968. More sculptures can be seen inside the ship, where three angels are suspended by steel cables from the central structure. With a size that varies between 2.22 and 4.25 m long and weighing 100 kg, 300 kg each were made by Alfredo Ceschiatti and Dante Croce in 1970.
Ceramic tiles hand painted cover the walls of the baptistery, oval, these were made by Bulcão Athos, a Brazilian painter and sculptor, in 1977. The cathedral complete with its bell tower that houses four bronze bells were donated by Spain. Obvious details of the interior are the stained glass windows, with different shades of blue, white and brown. These large windows were built and designed to fit between the steel columns, the result was a triangular panels 30 m high ranging over 10 m.
The altar was donated by Pope PabloVI and the image of the Patron Virgin of Aparecida. On entering the Cathedral, stands a marble column with pictures of the scenes from the life of the Virgin, painted by Athos Bulcão. Because it is located in the Esplanada dos Ministerios, there is a community that attends to fixed services. Most of those who come to Mass are tourists or workers in the Esplanade. The Cathedral is open daily for public tours.
