L’etoile du Nord

Beautiful, though I would have preferred to keep the dome in the sacred realm. What do the quadriga and the figures below in the attic represent?

The quadriga is officially known as “The Progress of the State”; the four horses represent Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. The two women who flank the chariot represent Industry and Agriculture, while the chap in the chariot is Prosperity.

The six figures in the attic are Bounty, Courage, Integrity, Prudence, Truth, and Wisdom.

It is also, so far as I know, the only state capitol with a rathskeller.

I agree with Dino Marcantonio, especially that dome…

The largest unsupported marble dome in the world — though I dont know what “unsupported” means.

The interior is also quite spectacular.

Outwardly beautiful yes but rotted to the core by the corruption that takes place within. We unfortunately have one of the New World’s most crooked and inept governments here in lovely Minnesota.

I read that it was the second largest marble dome in the world, then again Rhode Island State Capitol by McKim, Mead and White also seems to allege the same claim to fame.

For those that are not aware, the Minnesota State Capitol is located about a half mile from another great building, the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Here’s a view of the cathedral from state capitol:

http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/sites/default/files/images/exterior_summer_portrait_capitol.jpg

“Unsupported” must mean the dome is entirely masonry load-bearing construction. No steel beams or trusses.

Not far from the Cathedral — and now National Shrine — of St. Paul, one of the most beautiful churches in the New World (or at least in North America).