This beautiful cathedral known as the Cathedral of Brasilia is by far the greatest structure Oscar Niemeyer has designed because in no other country around the world will you find such an elegantly structured cathedral. It was designed and built on May 31, 1970. The Cathedral of Brasilia has such great significance because it, “reflects the richness and prominence of the Brazilian culture”. Oscar Niemeyer was on a mission, and promised the people a powerful and unique Cathedral for the city of Brasilia, and he did not disappoint. Due to the cathedrals beautifully designed structure Niemeyer was nominated for the Pritzker Prize in 1988, and won this highly decorated award.
Structural Grid, showing the curved columns, and the cathedrals organic form
As astonishing as the structure is, the interior space is what leaves you breathless.
From these three images you can see how spectacular this cathedral really is. From the outside you cannot notice the artistry of the stained glass walls because of the sun’s reflection. The cathedral is dedicated to the Blesses Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Aparecida, “Proclaimed by the Church as Queen and Patroness of Brazil”.
The concept behind the glass roof, is to reach out up to the open, and to be close to heaven. The design on the glass was done by the famous Brazilian artist Athos Bulcao who hand painted all of the ceramic tiles that cover the glass walls and roofs. Hence there is so much beauty and detail to the design of this cathedral it is hard to pin-point all of its features but it is the hyperboloided structure and the hand painted glass details that gives the Brazilian community a cathedral that will never be forgotten.
Before hand painted glass was placed, early construction Final result, and the cathedrals true beauty
All in all this is in my opinion the greatest cathedral built during its time, and it has for years been the iconic image of Brazil, and it will continue to be for all the years to come.
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