Itamaraty Palace
Zona Cívico-Administrativa BL H, Brasília, Brazil, 70170-900
Among the many attention-grabbing buildings of the Esplanada dos Ministérios, Itamaraty Palace (Palácio do Itamaraty) stands out with its dramatic series of concrete arches, which tower over a reflecting pool dotted with floating gardens. Aptly nicknamed the “Palace of the Arches,” it’s home to the Foreign Ministry and is part of Brasilia’s Federal District.
The basics
Most guided walking, cycling, or sightseeing tours of Brasilia include a visit to the Federal District, where you can admire the Itamaraty Palace. Tours typically include the palace along with other city landmarks, such as the futuristic Cathedral of Brasilia (Catedral Metropolitana), the MUSEU Nacional da República, and Three Powers Square (Praça dos Três Poderes), home to the National Congress, Supreme Court, and Presidential Palace. You can also book a guided tour of Itamaraty Palace; tours are available in Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English.
Things to know before you go
Official guided tours of Itamaraty Palace must be booked in advance via the Federal Government website.
There is a strict dress code for entering the palace: no flip-flops, short garments (anything above the knee), revealing tops (arms, stomach, and chest should be covered) or bottoms (ripped pants), hats of all kinds, or “unusual clothing” are allowed. Small bags are permitted.
Expect to pass through security checks if you want to enter the building.
Several areas of the palace are wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to request a tour in advance.
How to get there
The Itamaraty Palace is on the grand Esplanada dos Ministérios, opposite the Congresso Nacional. It’s easy to get around the Federal District on foot, but if you’re traveling further afield, opt for a taxi, rideshare, or book a guided tour.
When to get there
Guided tours of Itamaraty Palace take place from Tuesday to Sunday, but you can admire the building from outside at any time. The Federal District is typically busiest on weekdays during government working hours.
Architectural highlights of Itamaraty Palace
Inaugurated in 1970, Itamaraty Palace was the brainchild of Oscar Niemeyer, the architect responsible for Brasilia’s UNESCO-listed cityscape. A feat of modern design and engineering, it’s remarkable for its freestanding main hall, painstakingly calculated to stand without columns. In testament to its role as Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the building was constructed using only nationally sourced materials and decorated by Brazilian artists. Most notable is Bruno Giorgi’s Meteor sculpture, featuring marble blocks that represent the different continents.
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