Congreso de la Nación Argentina: A Neoclassical Masterpiece

The Congreso de la Nación Argentina, located in Buenos Aires, is the seat of the Argentine legislative branch, comprising the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The idea to construct a dedicated building for legislative tasks arose in 1889, with President Miguel Juárez Celman spearheading the initiative. Until then, the National Congress lacked a permanent home. Law 3.187, sanctioned on November 20, 1894, authorized the Executive Branch to construct the Palace, allocating six million pesos moneda nacional for the project. An international competition was launched, with submissions due by October 12, 1895. The design originated from Italian architect Vittorio Meano, who oversaw the works until his death. Belgian architect and engineer Jules Dormal then took charge. Construction began in August 1897, employing a thousand workers. Although inaugurated in 1906, the building wasn't fully completed until 1946. The building's design blends Italian Renaissance and classical Roman architectural styles. Its facade features Corinthian columns, allegorical sculptures, and an 80-meter bronze-plated dome. The exterior is made of gray granite from the Sierras de Córdoba and limestone from Entre Ríos. The interior features Italian marble, French stained glass, and fine woodwork. Free guided tours are available in English and Spanish, offering insights into the Argentine legislative process, political history, and architectural heritage. Tours include the chambers of both houses and the library.