Both the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas occupy the Texas State Capitol. Standing tall and dignified, the structure is built in the 15th-century Italian Renaissance-Revival style, with a cylindrical granite dome, held up by large granite columns.
While most people see the resemblance between the Texas State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C, it surpasses its D.C. counterpart by 4.5 metres in height, and is the largest in overall land size of all state capitols in the country. Based on a winning design in a national competition, the magnificent edifice was constructed mostly by convicts and immigrants in the late 1880s, and paid for with land grants of more than 1 million hectares. Since then, it has been the power base of Texas. Besides the role it plays in politics, the building is significant for its magnificent beauty and stately presence. Such is the beauty of the building that there are state laws disallowing the construction of buildings that obstruct the view of the capitol from various vantage points around the city.
To get the most out of your visit, join in one of the free tours of the building which offer an insightful perspective into the history of the place. Tours are held daily, with one going every 45 minutes from the Capitol South Foyer. There is also a self-guided tour option where you will be given a brochure highlighting important sections of the building and its surrounding grounds. After your tour, spend some time wandering the extensive manicured grounds dotted with historic monuments.
The Texas State Capitol building is situated in downtown Austin. Entrance is free of charge. There are no food vendors on site, so bring along your own and picnic in the quiet gardens.
