If the Senegalese capital gained fame in the Dakar Rally, Goiânia, in the Brazilian Midwest, was a monument — for eleven years — as the starting point of greatest off-road racing in the world in a single country, the Rally dos Sertões, held annually in Brazil. The colourful flowers and fresh air are hallmarks of this city, covered with forests, parks and gardens, which makes the city one of the best in the country in terms of quality of life. Goiás capital, Goiânia is modern and busy, with lots of theatres, art galleries and universities. The Monument of the Three Races, symbol of the city, was designed in 1968 by the artist Neusa Moraes, symbolizing the blending of three races: white, black and Indian, in the blood of the people of Goiás. Even the, world peace was the concern that inspired the artist Siron Franco, in creating the Monument to Peace in the Forest of Buritis.
The work, an hourglass five feet tall and five hundred tons, houses lands from various countries. On the banks of a beautiful lake in the woods, the sculpture represents the possibility of unity among all people. Another point that attracts visitors is the Highway of Pilgrims, where the Panels of the Sacred Cross, create an impression of grandeur. It is16 kilometres long, and a giant open-air art gallery, with 14 panels ten feet wide by four high by artist Omar Souto, which depicts the key moments of the passion of Christ. Omar spent 105 days on site to paint all panels. It’s worth examining closely. When visiting the city, also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hippie Fair and the Ecological Park of Goiânia, in which is hidden the waterfall of monkeys, and thereafter an archaeological site of the tribe of Kayapo Indians, which is about 1500 years old.