Most of the medieval Italian cities are civitas born of the ruins of the ancient Roman civilization. Their beauty ist the origin for deep esthetical experiences, to which Sławomir Gzell gave the name bellezza. There are a few characteristic features composing the "picturesqueness", painterliness and harmony of those cities, which lead the observer to strong emotions and constant, sensual exploration. The author contemplates the aspects creating the phenomrnon of beauty of Italian cities and towns - which are the metapfor of human desires and deepest cravings.

Brasilia. A city that is a utopia. An experiment. A political act. A city that is a symbol and a manifesto. Built because of an idea and boldly cast deep inland. And although it was built in the 1960’s, it still elicits strong emotions. This masterfully planned city was meant to be a model centre and an aesthetic symbol of new modernist thought, as well as the key to the success of Brazil’s young society. Over sixty years have passed since signing the founding act of the city by the socialist and populist Juscelino Kubitschek. How is this urban masterwork, the symbol of Brazilian postmodernism, that once surprised and enchanted the entire world, developing today? What is left of the imaginings and assumptions of functionalists? Can we state that this globally unique experiment was successful?