Welcome to our Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories. She’s currently on the road in Texas, visiting the Texas state capitol.
After exploring California and seeing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, I headed to Texas, eager to discover what Texas, and more specifically, Austin, had to offer.
Austin is my favorite place in TX, thanks to its easy-going atmosphere. The city’s summers are hot, but they’re made enjoyable by a thriving music scene, a diverse range of museums for art and history lovers, and numerous restaurants with impressive menus.
The Texas State Capitol stood out among Austin’s attractions. This impressive building is a focal point in downtown Austin, not only for its architecture and rich history but also as a center of politics.
And I was even more excited after finding out that the Capitol offered free 30-minute tours! With no time to waste, I grabbed my bag and set off to explore its historic halls.
From Austin Streets To The Capitol
I arrived in Austin from San Francisco late at night and checked into a hotel near downtown. While it was pricey at the New York City level, the fee covered amenities and breakfast, which softened the blow.
The next day, I ventured into Austin’s streets to soak in the city’s charm. If you’ve read my blogs, you know I love immersing myself in a place by visiting iconic spots and strolling like a local.
Austin is an easy city to navigate. It’s pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and streets laid out in a grid-like pattern that makes it simple to explore on foot. Motorists, bikers, and pedestrians all seem to share the road easily.
The city is full of life, combining modernity with rich history and art. You’ll find groceries, shops, restaurants, and clubs on every corner, as well as museums and art galleries to feed your cultural appetite.
Exploring the Texas State Capitol
The Capitol offers guided tours daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. I arrived around 10 AM, after a quick 10-minute ride on a bus and a short 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Beautiful Green Grounds
The sight of the Capitol left me speechless. Standing tall at around 300 feet, the structure is huge, with two three-story wings and a wide-cast dome. The dome itself is reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol but is crowned by the Goddess of Liberty statue.
Before going inside, I spent some time in Capitol Square. Despite the strong sun, the park felt like a cool haven, thanks to the fresh scent of cut grass. It was lively, with people enjoying a walk through the greenery, a quiet spot away from the crowded city.
As I wandered through the grounds, I came across a series of monuments. One particularly impressive sculpture depicted Texans herding goats and buffaloes while nearby, a cowboy stood next to his horse, striking a pose that reminded me of a knight from the tales of old.
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Paintings and Portraits
After exploring the outside, I headed into the Capitol through the South Foyer. Stepping inside felt like walking into a museum, with its polished floors, neoclassical pillars, antique furniture, and elegant chandeliers.
The highlight for me was a famous painting by William Huddle, “The Surrender of Santa Anna,” an oil-on-canvas that captures Texas’ triumph over Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. The painting’s romantic, neoclassical style evoked thoughts of Goya and Delacroix, but what I especially appreciated was how it portrayed the scene with a mix of candidness and subtle drama.
There’s also a portrait of Davy Crockett made by Huddle. It was a massive portrait that looked taller than the “Surrender of Santa Anna.” Crockett defended the Alamo with around 100 men and was presumed KIA in the battalion, but some stories tell of his epic last stand, in which he used his rifle as a club to valiantly resist the Mexican forces.
Sculptures of Texas Heroes
Then, there was a statue of Sam Houston. The marble statue resembles classical Greek and Roman sculptures. His pose somehow reminded me of Michelangelo’s “David.”
For those who don’t know, Houston was the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and also represented Texas in the US Senate. And you’ve probably guessed it – yes, he was the person behind the name of the city.
Of course, there was also Stephen Austin, known as the “Father of Texas.” He brought the first 300 American families to the current Texan territory and established the state’s first colonies.
The Capitol Rotunda
My next stop is the capitol rotunda, a circular room that goes all the way to the interior dome above. I looked up and saw the famous lone star with the word “TEXAS” spelled out around. It was an astonishing view, but I was more impressed by the unique pattern on the walls leading to the star above.
There are portraits of the past presidents of the republic around the dome, but I wasn’t able to look at each of them up close. Meanwhile, the terrazzo floor imprints the seals of former governing nations of Texas, such as France, Spain, the Republic of Texas, Mexico, the Confederate States, and the USA.
I went up to the third floor of the Rotunda, and the view was breathtaking (and a bit scary!). From above, the dome looks like staggered rings with complex floor patterns.
Tips and Recommendations for Visiting the Texas State Capitol
Planning a trip to the Texas State Capitol? Here are a few suggestions to make your visit more enjoyable:
- Opt for a Guided Tour: While it’s possible to explore the capitol on your own, taking a guided tour adds a lot of value. The guides are full of interesting historical insights – like stories about figures such as Davy Crockett – and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
- Explore the Grounds: Don’t rush inside right away. The capitol grounds are dotted with sculptures that have their own unique stories. It’s worth taking some time to see these before or after your indoor tour.
- Visit the Chili Parlor: Cap off your visit with a stop at this local dive bar favored by some politicians. It’s a great spot to enjoy good food and drinks at reasonable prices.
My Visit To the Texas State Capitol
To be honest, I didn’t expect a capitol tour to be this enjoyable.
I thought that inside these magnificent neoclassical buildings were boring bureaucratic offices and stations. But I was completely wrong. The Texas State Capitol feels like a museum with elegant portraits, sculptures, furniture, and decorations. What’s more special is that everything you can see has some interesting historical story waiting to be discovered.
After this trip, it seems that US capitol tours will be added to my bucket list.
Visiting the Texas State Capitol – FAQs
How Long Is the Guided Texas State Capitol Tour?
The actual guided tour lasted around 30 minutes, which was fast. But if I were to consider my tour around Capitol Square, I think I spent more than 40 minutes in all.
Are Children Allowed To Explore Inside?
Yes, anyone can visit the Texas State Capitol. Just be attentive at all times so your children won’t damage any exhibits, designs, furniture, or installations inside.
Can You Bring a Backpack Inside?
Yes, you can bring a backpack inside, but be prepared for security checks. They will inspect your bag for prohibited items like knives, guns, and explosives. Additionally, body scanners are used at the entrance to detect any suspicious items you might be carrying.
