Colonial Building, Parliament building in St. John's, Canada.

The Colonial Building is a neoclassical government building in St. John's, constructed of white limestone imported from Little Island, Cork, Ireland. Its facade has a portico of six Ionic columns supporting a triangular pediment carved with the Royal Arms in deep relief, and a wide stone staircase with dark metal handrails leads to a central red door. Architect James Purcell designed it and Patrick Keough was the contractor; it cost £18,335.

The building was created as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador beginning in 1850. It ceased this function in 1959 and later received recognition as a provincial historic site.

The governing party sits to the left of the Speaker because that was where the heaters stood, and the practice continues in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. In 1880 the Polish fresco painter Alexander Pindikowski, serving a forgery sentence, earned a month off for his fresco work here.

Guided tours are available during the warmer months and typically require advance booking. The site is easy to reach on foot and sits in the downtown area where parking and other services are nearby.

The governing party sits to the left of the Speaker because that side held the heaters; the practice continues in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. In 1880 the Polish fresco painter Alexander Pindikowski, serving a 15-month sentence for forgery, had his term cut by a month for his fresco work here.