Sacramento - State Capitol

The old neo-classical Capitol, with its 234ft/70m-high dome, was built between 1861 and 1869; extensions were added later. A complete restoration of the old Capitol (cost: 68 million dollars) was completed in 1982. Since then the marble mosaic floors and many chandeliers again shine as they did in the old days, making the Governor's official seat and the parliamentary chambers (which can also be visited when parliament is not sitting) interesting and attractive to tourists.

The colorful gardens, extending over several blocks and with tall palms and numerous other species of trees and plants, make the building the most beautiful Capitol in the United States.

Since December 1988 a bronze group sculpture, the Vietnam War Memorial, has stood in the northeast part of Capitol Park (L and 15th Street); its construction was entirely funded by donations, and it commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in the longest war involving the United States of America.