Didn't get to take the tour (timing didn't work out) but the guides were very friendly and helpful - we did see the video, which was informative and we enjoyed looking for the stars on the exterior that pointed out cannonball damage. Beautiful woodwork and glass inside, plus portraits of notable South Carolinians. Quite amazing that the exterior columns are single pieces of blue granite - and the skill that went into the building make it worth stopping.
The State Capitol's grounds are beautifully maintained, there are a lot of statues, markers and other items that inform visitors of South Carolina's history The building's architecture is great as well. Inside and out, although small, there is a lot of craftsmanship and art that are to be appreciated. The only negative was after the sun went down, the bugs came out. In SC, they call them Palmetto's, up North are there cousins, waterbugs. Either way, both aren't a sight to see. If you like hanging with bugs, you'll have no problem as was the case with those sitting on the stairs, the statues and other areas while being surrounded. If not, watch where you sit and walk Me, I didn't sit and used the side step method. It was great to see the State House and the surrounding areas both during the day and at night.
I enjoyed my time at the South Carolina State House.Parking was easily accessible. I parked at a metered space on a street right next to the building. Parking was reasonably priced at 75 cents per hour, but the meters have a maximum 2 hour visit. And, the meters only accept coins. So, be prepared with a lot of quarters--and you might have to return to the car to refill the meter...kind of a hassle.Free tours are offered. I highly recommend the tour as I found two of the guides to be very knowledgeable. All of the employees in the building were exceptionally friendly. Highlights of the building include the two beautiful chambers (House and Senate), the main lobby, the old state library and the staircases. And, there's an inner dome to view as well.The state Supreme Court is no longer housed in this building. Years ago, it was relocated across the street. I also recommend taking the time to view the Supreme Court chamber in that separate building as well...quite beautiful.
Decided to tour the State House when I had a few hours of free time. The grounds are well manicured and full of history. The building itself is an architectural experience. Beautiful stained glass, paintings and furniture are in all the rooms. Unfortunately, both Houses were not in session. Well worth taking the time to explore the history of the State House.
Very Beautiful and well maintained grounds with lots of History.Go for a few hours or a day.you can still spend as much time as you want to get a feel.
They offer free tour of the State House every hour. The place is beautiful. The tour was very informative and full of history. After the tour, you can walk around on your own unlike the State House in Harrisburg where you had to leave and not allowed to walk on the white marble staircase. The ground connecting the building is also beautiful. We had a great time visiting.
we took the tour and our guide was knowledgeable we visited both houses of legislature and visited the main room where all the lobbyists came to talk to officials (rather interesting) some beautiful stairs, carvings, portraits, statues (john c calhoun) and lots of gorgeous ceilings it is easy to get around there and it is next to the u of sc and just up the hill from all those r estaurants
For students of the Civil War, this is a statehouse shelled by Union troops. The wounds are still marked by stars rather than repairs.
A lot of times we ride by and never give it a second look but getting out and walking around the grounds will amaze you.The history and the architecture as well as the beauty of the area is great.On some of the days that not much is going on with nice weather-why not look around
Beautiful paintings and statues, so much history, The story behind this building is very interesting hear from one of the knowledgeable guides that is there.