Province House
Canada's oldest seat of government, the three-story stone Province House has been home to the tiny Nova Scotian legislature since 1819. This exceptional Georgian building is a superb example of the rigorously symmetrical Palladian style. And like a jewel box, its dour stone exterior hides gems of ornamental detailing and artwork inside, especially the fine plasterwork, which is rare in a Canadian building from this era.
A free well-written booklet is available when you enter; it provides helpful background about the building's history and architecture. (Sample legend that may or may not be true: It's said the headless falcons in several rooms were decapitated by an agitated, free-swinging legislator with a cane who mistook them for eagles during a period of feverish anti-American sentiment in the 1840s.)
Consider sitting in on a legislative session if one is happening—the debate can get quite heated! Self-guided tours are allowed from September to June from 8:30am to 4pm; or join a guided tour in July or August on weekdays 8:30am to 4pm or weekends and holidays 10am to 4pm. History buffs should allow an hour for this visit.
Canada's oldest seat of government, the three-story stone Province House has been home to the tiny Nova Scotian legislature since 1819. This exceptional Georgian building is a superb example of the rigorously symmetrical Palladian style. And like a jewel box, its dour stone exterior hides gems of ornamental detailing and artwork inside, especially the fine plasterwork, which is rare in a Canadian building from this era.
A free well-written booklet is available when you enter; it provides helpful background about the building's history and architecture. (Sample legend that may or may not be true: It's said the headless falcons in several rooms were decapitated by an agitated, free-swinging legislator with a cane who mistook them for eagles during a period of feverish anti-American sentiment in the 1840s.)
Consider sitting in on a legislative session if one is happening—the debate can get quite heated! Self-guided tours are allowed from September to June from 8:30am to 4pm; or join a guided tour in July or August on weekdays 8:30am to 4pm or weekends and holidays 10am to 4pm. History buffs should allow an hour for this visit.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
