Go Outside the Political Center When Visiting Brasilia During the Confederations Cup

05/30/2013 - 20h47

Forget the suits, the political scandals and the decisions of national importance. Brasilia can be much more. And those visiting the city for the opening game of the Confederations Cup on June 15 can go to little explored destinations on the weekend.

A must-see, for example, is the view of the city from the Dom Bosco chapel at the end of the Sul lake. It is one of the best places to see the sunset.

Another great part of Brasilia, nearly undiscovered, is the view from the Paranoá lake. You can practice sports such as stand-up paddle and kayaking at clubs and areas by the lake - prices range from R$ 20 to R$ 80 an hour.

Outside the city's political center, it also is possible to find parks such as Cidade, Olhos d'Água and the National Park of Brasilia - for a swim in the crowded natural pools of mineral water.

Tourists, however, will hardly miss a visit to the buildings that are the symbols of the city, such the National Congress and the Itamaraty palace. And they really shouldn't.

But they should go on these tours to admire works by artists such as Athos Bulcão - one of his most beautiful panels is in the Salão Verde in the Congress - those of Djanira da Motta e Silva -- in a room often used by President Dilma Rousseff - and that of Alfredo Volpi -- which can be seen from the street, through the glass of the Itamaraty palace.

The Army Headquarters near the Eixo Monumental is another unexplored site. There is an odd acoustic shell inaugurated during the military dictatorship, which echoes the steps of those who venture into another of Oscar Niemeyer's works.

This month the local government announced the Hospedagem Café e Cama (Bed and Breakfast) program, for Brasilia residents to open their houses to tourists. Expectations are for 75 homes to register, receiving up to 675 people.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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