#10 Top Attraction in Pennsylvania: State Capitol, Harrisburg, PA

The Top Tourist Attraction in Pennsylvania is the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, PA

We couldn’t skip the Pennsylvania State Capitol. If you are looking for an impressive National Landmark, well, this one is the best example of American Renaissance architecture in the Whole U.S.

Regarding this unique place, let us ask you: do you like secrets? We really do, this is why we have gathered some of the little-known secrets that even people who have been working here for years didn’t know about.

about Pennsylvania State Capitol

First of all, let us tell you that the Capitol has always been an intriguing place. As such, during many years, public tours have been continually changed. Moreover, visiting the Capitol requires special permission.

So, let’s not waste anymore time finding out some of the most interesting attractions around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

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Tour the PA Capital

The Attractions of Pennsylvania State Capitol

Main Rotunda

Let’s start with the most popular one. Once visiting the Capitol, do not forget to see the breathtaking rotunda. This special place features a 52-million-pound dome, that reaches 272 feet from the ceiling to the floor. Its designer, the one that created the Capitol dome, was inspired by the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Also, right atop the dome, you can admire a 17-foot gilded bronze statue, named Commonwealth, which is said to weigh 3 tons.

A quite amazing detail here is the staircases, made of Italian marble, and which look like the ones of the Paris Opera House. Take your time to admire the nearly 400 pictures of the original building.

The Senate Chamber

Be mesmerized by the Senate Chamber, which hosts the 50 senators of Pennsylvania. All the desks that stay in the chamber are the original ones and the date since 1906. All the marble in the room is from Ireland.

Take a look at the gold French velvet drapes. Can you imagine that each one weighs 87 pounds?

All the paintings you see on the top of the room are also called International Understanding, and they display the Creation of a Nation, with the Revolutionary War times.

The House Chamber

Make sure you also check the House Chamber, which unlike the Senate, theHouse casts all the members’ votes electronically. Using red or green buttons, the members can express their votes.

Interesting Facts about Pennsylvania State Capitol

The unique fact about the Capitol is that is hosts all three branches of the Government under one single roof
The gold you see is REAL. All the gold details you will meet in the Capitol is 23-karat gold leafing. Nobody knows how much gold is really in the buildings, as nobody kept any track of it.
The Senate and House chambers have these 24 stained glass windows, that represent early sciences, arts, industries, and so on.
People are mostly impressed by the breathtaking paintings in the Senate Chamber. They were made by Miss Violet Oakley, who was only 28 years old when she was chosen to paint for the Capitol in 1902.

It took her 25 years to complete all her work, however, it was a privilege for her.

There are somewhere around 200 hand-wound clocks all through the Capitol Complex. The staff takes care so they are tended every seven days.

501 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120

about PA Top Tourist Attractions

The #9 Top Attraction in Pennsylvania

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