New York State Capitol, Albany (must see)

Built between 1867 and 1899 at a cost of $25 million (worth approximately half a billion current dollars), The New York State Capitol was the most expensive government building of its time. Three teams of architects worked on the design of the Capitol during the 32 years of its construction. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and the following year it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

The Capitol is one of the most remarkable buildings in Albany, also housing the New York State Legislature. The Capitol is also famous for its very expensive interior decorations, most of which are open for the public. The Capitol has outstandingly attractive grounds. The ground floor of the state capitol was built in the Classical/Romanesque style and the next two floors in a Renaissance Classical style. The staircase, worth one million dollars, is the building's top attraction. Other pieces to note are the huge Senate Room, with beautiful woodwork and stained glass decorations, and a beautiful sculpture garden.