Check out where Canada’s legislating happens in Ottawa.
Canada’s Parliament Building is simply spectacular. Canada’s Parliament Hill has three separate blocks around a plaza. The central building is rather imposing, and it is here where you find the Commons and the Senate, along with the Prime Minister’s office.
Rather glorious isn’t it. Gothic is one of my favorite styles of architecture, even the more modern made-up versions.
Most of this splendid Gothic Revival building was started in 1916 after the first one burnt down. Both the interior and exterior are full of fine stone carvings of gargoyles and friezes, that took until the 1970s to finish.
That’s one strange horse.
The first room on the tour is the Commons Foyer. It was very dark in there.
Above the arches are friezes depicting 25,000 years of Canadian history. I think this one on the First Peoples of the Americas.
I absolutely love the ceiling. You can see Tudor roses (representing Britain) and fleur-de-lis (representing France), maple leaves (of course) and the oval panels depict various government departments.
The House of Commons of Canada. The green is copied from the British House of Commons. Honestly, they do seem similar except the Members of Parliament here actually have their own cushy seat instead of the crammed benches of the UK.
Confederation Hall is located right behind the main entrance and is a Gothic revival masterpiece. I love this room.
Next is the Hall of Honor, a fancy hallway used for some official business. At the end of the hall is the library.
Now that’s a library! The Library of Parliament is the only remaining part of the original Parliament building, built in 1876. It was saved from fire because the librarian had fireproof doors in. Smart man.
Just look at those bookshelves. I’m in love.
Even the dome above is splendid.
Here is a horrible photo of the library from outside. It is simply magnificent. It looks like it belongs in Europe.
Next, the tour headed to the Senate Chamber. This is quite an entrance.
The ceiling of the Senate foyer was also pretty awesome.
The red is stunning. The color for the Senate Camber was also copied from the British parliament’s House of Lords. Canada has senators instead of Lords.
A close up on the thrones in the front. These are for the Canadian monarch and his/her consort (i.e., King Charles III and Camila), but they are mostly used for the Governor General (who fills in for the queen) and his or her consort. The Governor General’s role, today, is more of ceremonial nature.
The Parliament building of Canada is a splendid place to explore through a free tour. However, you may have to wait awhile. The Centre Block (the main building) is currently undergoing needed restoration (being 100 years old is tough) and is not slated to reopen any time soon.
Want to see more of Canada? Check out my post on Quebec City!
