Palácio do Planalto
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The Palácio do Planalto (English: "Palace of the Plateau") is the official workplace of the President of Brazil. It is located at the Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasília, Brazil. As the seat of government, the term "o Planalto" is often used as a metonym for the executive branch of the government.
The main working office of the President of the Republic is in the Palácio do Planalto. The President and his family, however, do not live in it; the official residence of the President is the Palácio da Alvorada. Besides the President, a few high advisors also have offices in the "Planalto", including the Vice-President and the Chief of Staff; the other Ministries are laid along the Esplanada dos Ministérios.
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[edit] Architecture
The architect of the Palácio do Planalto was Oscar Niemeyer, the "creator" of most of the important buildings in the new capital of Brasília. The idea was to project an image of simplicity and modernity using fine lines and waves to compose the columns and exterior structures.
The Palace is four stories high, and has an area of 36,000 m². Four other adjacent buildings are also part of the complex.
[edit] Public access and security
The Palace is open to public visitation only on Sundays, from 9:30 am to 1 pm. Guided tours last 20 minutes.
During the week, access to the building is restricted to authorized personnel only. It is difficult to see the President. Only in special occasions does the President walk up or down the ramp in the front of the Palace. More often, he is escorted into the Palace through the north entrance.
The building is protected by the Presidential Guard, a division of the Brazilian army.
The mailing address of the Palácio do Planalto is:
Presidência da República
Palácio do Planalto
70150-900 – Brasília - DF
Brazil
