A Grand Piece Of History At The State Houses Of Parliament In Melbourne

Bustling and peaceful, modern yet true to its roots

, Melbourne is a land of happy contrasts. Slick and dizzying within its urban landscape, Melbourne is fast gaining pace as a global heavy weight, a true world centre; Down Under. As a city that sets the tone for the rest of the nation, Melbourne enjoys popularity among tourists young and old for its ever-growing appetite for the fresh and the unique. Home to some of Australias most sought after attractions including the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), St Kilda Beach, Newport Lakes Parkland and Federation Square, the State Houses of Parliament are also located in this vibrant city.

A must-visit locale in any trip to Melbourne, the State Houses of Parliament is also the biggest 19th century public building in the nation and one of the best examples of the British Empires civic architectural splendor in the world. Ideally located along Spring Street in Eastern Melbourne, the Parliament House has been the seat of the Parliament of Victoria from 1855.

With its elegant stairwells, grand steps, stylish lamps and colonnade, the Parliament House is undoubtedly one of Peter Kerrs finest works. Dominating Melbournes skyline in the heyday of its construction the Legislative Chambers consist of two bluestone free-standing buildings, three stories high. The interiors of the chambers are equally impressive with its burgundy carpeting, gold leaves, towering columns and the forest-green hued Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly is on the other hand decorated in stately Westminster shades.

The Queens Hall and Vestibule is another quarter of the Parliament that should not be missed as its intricately designed Minton floor tile mosaic which bears the words Where no Counsel is the People Fall; but in the Multitude of Counsellors there is Safety. Used for state banquets and parliamentary social gatherings the Queens Hall and Vestibule connects the chambers and the library beautifully. The Library of the Parliament house was originally constructed in 1860 when architect Kerr created the magnificent, curved stairwells, tiered book cases and a ten-sided table in the heart of the room. Other noteworthy details include the librarys eastern facade with its sandstone exteriors and classic allusions.

The west facade and the colonnade, completed as far back as 1888 are also stunning at first glance while one will marvel at the architectural prowess of this public building more than a century after its construction. The North Wing and the sprawling parliament grounds are also worth the visit while the Refreshment Room built at the cost of 50,000 pounds in 1929 is another point of interest located in the north eastern corner of the parliament house.

Public and school tours of the parliament are available on non-parliamentary dates while children ages 5-6 have the unique opportunity to take part in the Parliament Role Play at Parliament House as a part of the Parliamentary Information Talks program.

The Langham Melbourne is ideal for those who are looking for Melbourne hotels near the citys primary attractions. Comfortable and stylish this graceful Melbourne hotel serves as the perfect base for holidaymakers and business travellers.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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