Pennsylvania State Capitol
Roosevelt called it “the most beautiful building I have ever seen.” Modeled on the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, its interiors feature sumptuous murals and mosaic floors.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, the state capital, was completed in 1906 and is a National Historic Landmark. At its dedication, Theodore Roosevelt called it “the most beautiful building I have ever seen.” The green dome, about 83 meters tall, is modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The rotunda has a marble grand staircase and large murals, and its floor is inlaid with about 400 mosaic tiles made by the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, which tell the story of Pennsylvania's history. The free guided tour lasts about 30 minutes, running every half hour on weekdays and at certain times on weekends. Security screening is required. The Capitol is about 20 km (12 miles) from Hershey, roughly a 25-minute drive.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00 guided tours; limited sessions on weekends and holidays
Nearby sights
- State Museum of Pennsylvania
- Broad Street Market
- City Island & Riverfront Park
- National Civil War Museum
- Indian Echo Caverns
- AACA Museum
- Hershey's Chocolate World
- The Hotel Hershey