Parliament Buildings
Wellington Street
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Canada's Parliament – as far as Canadian icons go, it's right up there with crimson-clad Mounties, maple syrup and a Tim Hortons' double-double.
The original Parliament Buildings, including the East, West and Centre blocks, were constructed between 1859 and 1866 (the Victoria Tower and Library were completed later). The Centre Block, designed by architects Thomas Fuller and Chilian Jones, was destroyed by fire in 1916. Thankfully, the Library was saved.
The new Centre Block, designed in the Modern Gothic Revival style, was completed by 1922. It would take another five years to complete the Peace Tower – named to commemorate Canada's commitment to peace, following World War I. Extending from the Tower are four huge and easily-spotted gargoyles. But don't miss the myriad of smaller stone carvings that grace the building, inside and out.
Once known as Barracks Hill, Parliament Hill formerly housed five military barracks and a hospital for the soldiers working on the Rideau Canal. Today, Parliament welcomes three million visitors every year.
Have you ever heard the noon carillon concert while visiting the Hill? Share your story!
