Brasilia is the purpose-built capital of Brazil, inaugurated in 1960 and now the country's fourth-largest city. Most visitors pass through Brasilia International Airport, a major transport hub for the continent, without bothering to view the city, which as primarily the seat of government has little to compete with the allure and hedonism of Brazil's more exotic destinations.

Nevertheless, Brasilia is a major draw card for devotees of architecture who come to marvel at the monumental modernist buildings and city layout, collectively declared a World Heritage Site - the only city built in the 20th century to achieve this. The buildings serve as monuments to progress, technology and the promise of the future. And against a backdrop of perpetually blue sky their striking lines in bleached white granite and concrete are wonderfully photogenic.

Among the most famous of Brasilia's modernists structures are the cathedral of Santuario Dom Bosco, with 7,400 pieces of illuminated Murano glass; the incredibly beautiful Palácio do Itamaraty; and the TV tower, which at 240 feet-high (72m) is home to the best views in town.

Viewed from above, the central city resembles an aeroplane or bird, thanks to the intersecting Highway Axis, reaching from the north to the southwest to link the key residential neighbourhoods; and the straight Monumental Axis, which connects the main governmental buildings. All the buildings of the original city were designed by famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, while the urban planning was completed by Lucio Costa. Getting around the city is easy and convenient as there is excellent public transport - although walking is not an option given the vast distances between the picturesque landmarks.

Brasilia is preparing to receive its largest influx of tourists ever as it is scheduled to host football matches for both the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Brasilia is located 720 miles (1,160 km) from Rio de Janeiro and 630 miles (1,020 km) from Sao Paulo. It is quite literally in the middle of nowhere, the only major inland city in the vast country. There are some worthwhile excursions from Brasilia, although long distances make these overnight trips. Itiquira Falls is a 550 feet-high (168m) waterfall 60 miles (100 km) from the city, and Caldas Novas - the world's largest natural hot springs resort - can be found 220 miles (360 km) southeast of Brasilia.