A modern, planned city in central Brazil,
GOIÂNIA was founded in 1933, becoming the state capital four years later. Over a million strong, cheaper than Brasília, with some good hotels and only 209km from the federal capital, the city is a good stopping-off point, since it is very well connected by road to most other Brazilian cities. Goiânia earns its living as a market centre for the surrounding agricultural region which specializes in rice and soya, and while it lacks the futuristic style of Brasília it makes up for it with a more genuine heartbeat and, with its less arid climate, a lusher, greener environment.
The City
One of the first things visitors note when they arrive in Goiânia is the size of the place, its modern skyline dominating the horizon for some time before you reach the city's limits. It is one of Brazil's ten biggest cities, created to function as a regional agricultural and livestock market centre as gold became less important in Goiás. Like several cities throughout South America it has an eternally springlike climate, of which it takes good advantage through its extensive network of established green spaces - mainly large praças, public parks and sports grounds. Pleasant enough in its own right, Goiânia lacks any sights of outstanding interest or stunning architectural gems, though the Complexo Memorial do Cerrado Pe Pereira makes for an interesting out-of-town trip.
