Brasília is a remarkable example of modernist urban planning and architecture. Inaugurated in 1960, it was built in just 41 months to replace Rio de Janeiro as the capital of Brazil. The move was intended to encourage development in the country's interior and provide a more centrally located administrative hub. The city was designed by urbanist Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, featuring a layout often compared to an airplane or a bird (the 'Plano Piloto'). Because of its unique design and architectural integrity, Brasília is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its wide avenues and monumental government buildings, such as the Cathedral of Brasília and the National Congress. However, its design has also been criticized for being car-centric and lacking the organic 'walkability' found in older cities. Brasília sits on the Central Plateau of Brazil at an elevation of about 1,172 meters.