Description of the attraction
Among the architectural sights of Ottawa, the Confederation building undoubtedly deserves special attention. This magnificent neo-Gothic structure is located in the heart of the capital, west of the Houses of Parliament of Canada, at the corner of Bank Streets and Wellington Streets, and is often regarded as part of the famous architectural ensemble known as Parliament Hill.
Back in the early 19th century, the land where the Confederation Building and the Supreme Court of Canada rise today was densely packed with residential buildings and shops. Nevertheless, the Parliament made a decision to transfer this site to the jurisdiction of the government with a view to its subsequent development with new buildings of federal significance. So, in July 1927, as part of the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Canada, in the presence of the Governor-General, the foundation stone of the future building of the Confederation was laid. The building was designed by architects Richard Wright and Thomas Fuller.
The grand opening took place in 1931, and government departments settled in the building. Most of the premises at that time were occupied by employees of the Department of Agriculture and Food Canada. Today, civil servants of various departments, as well as a number of deputies and ministers, live in the building of the Confederation.
The Confederation Building is an original V-shaped structure, crowned with turrets, and visually resembles a castle. The walls of the building are lined with stonework and decorated with various carved ornaments, and the steep roof is covered with greenish copper.
