National Capitol, Legislative building in Bolivar Square, Bogotá, Colombia.
The National Capitol stands on the south side of Bolívar Square in La Candelaria, Bogotá. Its main facade has two symmetrical side bodies and a central portico of six Ionic columns, crowned by a cornice with four griffins and a balustrade. A proposed central dome was rejected; the building stays horizontal so as not to rival the cathedral's height.
Construction began in 1848 under architect Thomas Reed's direction and was completed in 1926 after spanning multiple presidential terms. The extended building period reflected the political changes Colombia experienced during this time.
Inside the elliptical chamber, a 1947 mural shows Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Santander at the Cúcuta Congress. This artwork reminds visitors of the country's founding moments and shapes how people experience the building's interior.
Visitors can explore the building through guided tours that show both chambers of Congress, architectural details, and exhibition areas. It is worth checking beforehand when tours are available, as access may vary depending on parliamentary activities.
Gaston Lelarge proposed a large central dome between 1911 and 1919, but the idea was rejected; the building stayed horizontal so as not to rival the height of the Cathedral. In 1923 a competition offered a dome option and a scheme with four griffins on the attic of the Elliptic Hall; the griffins were chosen, and four of them crown the cornice today.
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