Brasília became Brazil's capital when it was inaugurated on 21 April 1960.
President Juscelino Kubitschek promoted the move from Rio de Janeiro to encourage development in Brazil's interior. The new capital was built on a high plateau in the country's Central-West Region rather than on the Atlantic coast.
Urban planner Lúcio Costa designed Brasília's basic plan, often described as resembling an airplane or a bird when viewed from above. Architect Oscar Niemeyer designed many of its most recognizable civic buildings, including the National Congress and the Cathedral of Brasília.
Rio de Janeiro remained an important cultural and economic center after losing its political role. Brasília's planned monumental core, the Plano Piloto, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.